Borough Life Autum 2006: Words & Pictures
Horizon (Spinal Injury 1982)
for everyone on B ward
I have been re-born
here on this tarmac road
where I have landed
neck broken
everything tingling burning
my legs and my body
gone walk-about
and I want them back
no this is not a sick joke
tell everyone to look for them
my neck is broken
please do not turn away
I am the same me
ok I may look different
still me honest
By Peter Street
TAKE one of Britain’s most distinguished contemporary painters and one of the borough’s most successful poets…add Leigh’s very own critically acclaimed exhibition space and what do you get?
Well, this autumn at the Turnpike Gallery you get a unique experience combining the talents of two very different artists.
Bradford-born painter Tony Bevan has been in the vanguard of modern British art since his first exhibition back in 1976.
His bold, uncompromising work encompass everything from architectural impressions to still life and self-portrait.
In a major coup for the Turnpike, the gallery will be hosting a collection of Bevan’s raw and energetic paintings from the past two decades.
Sharing the gallery space with the works of art will be the words of Atherton-based poet Peter Street, who was asked to provide a series of poems to complement Bevan’s pictures.
The project is the brainchild of Turnpike curator and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust visual arts officer Martyn Lucas, who believes it may be a first for the borough.
Martyn says: “We are constantly looking at ways of connecting with the community through our exhibitions at the Turnpike. We are delighted to be showcasing Tony Bevan’s work, but equally delighted that Peter has agreed to be involved as well. His poems provide a ‘way in’ to the paintings.
“For many people, a walk round the gallery may prove a bit daunting, but
Peter’s words will be a useful guide giving newcomers and Turnpike stalwarts alike a point of reference when they are considering the paintings.”
Peter has published three poetry anthologies – Trees Will Be Trees, Still Standing and Out Of The Fire. He is no stranger to the Turnpike and says he jumped at the chance to get involved.
Peter began writing in the 1980s, drawing on his own life experiences.
These include suffering a broken neck in 1982 and his time as a war poet when he accompanied the biggest every humanitarian convoy travelling through war-torn Croatia in 1993.
Peter says: “This is an exciting project and certainly the first time I have heard of a poem being used to accompany paintings.
“I studied the paintings for quite a long time before beginning to write. I rejected the first lot I wrote and began again.
“I really began to get to know the paintings and they had a lasting effect. At times it was a difficult process but very worthwhile.”
Peter says: “The poems do not provide an interpretation to the paintings - it’s more like they are a soundtrack to accompany the works, but also there to be appreciated in their own right.”
- The Tony Bevan and Peter Street Exhibition will be at the Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh from Saturday October 7 and runs until Saturday November 25.
- Entrance is free and the gallery is open from 10am until 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9.30am until 3.30pm on Saturday.
- The book of the exhibition will be launched on Thursday 12 October, 7pm, with poetry readings by Peter. Entry is free by ticket, available from the gallery office.
- For more information you can contact The Turnpike on 01942 404469 and/or visit the website at: www.wlct.org/arts