Talk by Graham Ibbeson MBE and Ronnie Steele – 29th January 

Barnsley Civic Trust, in partnership with Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, will be hosting a talk by sculptor Graham Ibbeson MBE and author Ronnie Steele in the Council Chamber at Barnsley Town Hall on Thursday 29th January @ 6.30pm. 

Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire Graham Ibbeson MBE has been a professional sculptor since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1978. He has developed an international reputation exhibiting in Galleries throughout Europe, the USA, and Asia. Through his commissions and public work, Graham has helped regenerate whole areas of cities and towns across the UK. His work which can be seen around Barnsley includes the Miners and Oaks Disaster memorials, a statue of Dickie Bird and a wonderful tribute to Kes. 

Barnsley author Ronnie Steele was taught by ‘Kes’ author Barry Hines, who inspired his lifelong love of reading and the arts. Encouraged by Graham, Ronnie wrote stories about his heroes and has published three highly acclaimed books containing 70 tales about growing up in Barnsley. Ronnie also led projects for a statue in honour of Barry Hines, and a Barnsley Civic Trust Blue Plaque for Brian Glover. 

Graham will be talking about his career as an artist and Ronnie will read stories from his latest book: ‘A Tribute to Ken Loach and Kes’. The two will also describe their close association with Graham’s latest sculpture, ‘The Spirit of Defiance’, and the forthcoming TV documentary that will accompany it. 

Admission is free but donations are always appreciated.