Gallery Oldham Listings: November 2015

A HOST of colorful and exciting events and exhibitions will fill Gallery Oldham over the next month.

For more information call 0161 770 4653 or log onto www.galleryoldham.org.uk

 

Exhibitions

After Life: Portraits of Taxidermy (14 November to 20 February)
We share this planet with millions of other species and depend on them for our survival, but so often we take nature for granted. This touring exhibition created by Sean Dooley explores the undesired impact of our actions and inactions through poignant photographic portraits of extinct and endangered animals from museum collections. These images bring stories of lost and fading species to life – including splendid portraits of the endangered Kakapo, native of New Zealand and the skeleton of the endangered Chimpanzee. Our exhibition includes taxidermy specimens from Gallery Oldham’s collection including the Great Bustard extinct in the UK since 1832, the endangered Capercaillie and Blacktailed Godwit.

The Fragile Moorland (14 November to 20 February 2016)
At the heart of this exhibition is the ‘Mor’ series of artworks by Margaret Uttley, focusing on man’s relationship with our unique and highly important peat moorland. Her work is amplified through a selection of items from Gallery Oldham’s own collections of fine art, natural history and archaeology with their own links to the moors. The starting point for Margaret Uttley’s work are two ‘Grouse-Butts’ poems by Ted Hughes. Margaret has also taken inspiration from the Gallery’s collections – incorporating archaeology found on the moors into some of her work. Examples of wildlife from our natural history collections will also be on display.

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The Oldham Open

The Oldham Open 2015 (Until 5 December)
The Oldham Open is back! This show is held every two years to showcase work by artists living or working in the borough of Oldham. From drawing, painting and photography to ceramics, jewellery and sculpture, the exhibition features a wide range of artists with a huge array of styles. Work is for sale, so it’s the ideal opportunity to pick up some early Christmas presents for the art lovers in your life. There will also be a number of opportunities to meet and learn from some of the talented people exhibiting in this show.

‘Oldham Stories: Encounters with our collections’ (permanent exhibition)
In response to feedback from our visitors we launch a new permanent exhibition packed full of Oldham stories. This is your chance to see some of our most treasured artefacts alongside items that might just surprise you. We bring together objects from our Natural History, Social History and Art collections to look again at Oldham’s past and present. We tell the stories of a range of local figures such as suffragette Annie Kenney, the pioneering natural history collector James Nield and popular artist Helen Bradley. Oldham Stories features the breadth of our extensive collections. From birds and shells to archaeology and embroidered samplers, every object has a tale to tell. Artwork on show includes important British paintings from the Charles Lees Collection as well as paintings by artists that illustrate local scenes and characters.

Community Gallery
The Community Gallery features work by groups or individuals who live or work in Oldham, or anyone whose subject matter relates to Oldham. Do you have an exhibition proposal? Please contact Joy Thorpe on 0161 770 4663 or email joy.thorpe@oldham.gov.uk

Diana Terry: On The Edge (Until 7 November)
Experience the feelings of height and space found in places on the edge with the panic of vertigo and tinnitus. Diana Terry’s dramatic artwork shows breathtaking, yet sometimes uncomfortable views.

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Diana Terry with some of her work

Marjory Taylor: Chadderton Lass (14 November – 9 January)
Marjory was born in 1908 and studied at Oldham School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic before moving to Dundee as an illustrator with publishers DC Thompson. This exhibition includes works from her long life and career as an artist.

Gallery Talks
Our monthly talks are free, informal and last around 40 minutes with time for discussion afterwards. There is no need to book. If you are bringing a group of more than five please contact the Gallery on 0161 770 4742 beforehand.

Wednesday 14 November, 2pm
Explore the many entries to the Oldham Open.

Behind the Scenes
While many of our exhibitions contain objects from the collections it is not possible to show everything permanently. We run special tours of our stores to look at objects that are not currently on view. Sessions are free but please consider a donation to support the work of the Gallery. Booking is essential on 0161 770 4742.

Tuesday 24 November, 2pm: Art Collections

Adult Art and Craft Courses

Crafty Mondays @ Naked Bean Café (Mondays 9, 16 and 23 November, 2–3.30pm)
Try your hand at some new and unusual techniques in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Explore your creative side and make some wonderful gifts for Christmas. Free, all materials provided. Just buy a drink or something sweet from Naked Bean and join in!

Relief Printing with Lino (Saturday 7 November, 10–4.30pm)
Meet local artist Steve Priest as he guides you through the techniques and processes of his craft. This is an ideal opportunity to create your own unique Christmas and greetings cards. Cost: £30 for the day including materials.

Letters in the Landscape (Saturday 28 November, 10–4.30pm)
Join us for a jaunt around our exhibitions and collections with artist Claire Louise Mather. Using these as inspiration she will guide you through the art of making your own textile-based artwork using reclaimed and locally produced fabrics. Cost: £30 for the day including materials.

Children and Families
Gallery Oldham is full of fun activities and events for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all family sessions. If you are bringing a group of 10 or more please book in advance on 0161 770 4742. Arts and crafts at each session are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years.

Super Saturdays
Be inspired by our exhibitions! We’ve artist led craft activities, painting, drawing and creative fun for all the family on the first Saturday of the month. Free – no need to book, just drop in from 12noon–4pm. Activities are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years.

Saturday 7 November

The Small Cinema
Bringing cinema back to Oldham -Every month we hosts a children’s classic in The Performance Space.

Saturday 21 November: Minions (U):  Stuart, Kevin and Bob star in their own spin-off. Tickets cost £3 and include a goodie bag for children. You can reserve tickets at the welcome desk or call 0161 770 4742.