The King of the Cats is a stunning art exhibition by five artists from different creative practices on at The Whitaker, Rossendale until November 9th. Each artist has developed their own interpretation in response to local tales from Lancashire. This collection of work is deeply rooted in the local landscape and history of our ‘red rose county’. Artists include Ceramic artist – Julie Miles, Painter – Christopher Rainham, Storyteller – Jacqueline Harris, Sculptor – Marjan Wouda and Theatrical Installations by Patricia Ramsden. Go and see this wonderful exhibition at The Whitaker and then onwards to Bury Art museum Gallery…
Art Works by painter Christopher Rainham from the exhibition ‘The King of the Cats’
“The people of Lancashire are fabulous. My search to find stories and tellers for the film, Gathered Tales of Lancashire, has been characterised by generosity and hospitality. All of the stories were told either first hand or had happened to a friend or a relative. A chance conversation outside The Whitaker, Rossendale on a hot sunny day brought forth a tale of an encounter with a ghostly biker, and the ghostly pub he stood outside in swirling mist on the Todmorden-Bacup Road. It was only later that it was discovered the pub had closed down years ago. It is interesting how these modern stories echo some of the themes that run through the old folktales. These encounters between tales, tellers and place turn Lancashire into a storied landscape. I am hoping the film will convey this to everyone who comes to the exhibition.” Jackie Harris
“We are a group of artists living and working in Lancashire. We work quite independently in our various practices – be it painting, ceramics, sculpture, creating installations or storytelling – and come together to promote our work as artists in schools.
We decided to have a look at the stories that have arisen from this landscape in which we live, and to make this the basis for a touring exhibition. We named the project after the title of one of the stories: The King of the Cats. The idea was to let these stories lead us on an adventure; to take ourselves out of our comfort zone and to create something new. Simultaneously we can reach out to schools and the wider community to help museum and gallery venues inspire new audiences.” Marjan Wouda
‘The King of the Cats’ on at The Whitaker till November 9th – http://www.thewhitaker.org
The King of the Cats 