Reviving the spirit of Drumcroon
Councillor Chris Ready (right) at the Drumcroon artwork exhibition, now at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh
A new exhibition of artwork from a well-renowned Wigan Borough collection is now on display at Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery.
Selected prints and drawings from the Drumcroon Collection – including works from well-known British artists – will be available to view until March 2026.
The selection of more than 50 pieces from the collection is the most significant exhibition of Drumcroon artwork since all its collections were placed in storage following the closure of the Drumcroon Education Arts Centre in Wigan, in 2011.
The artwork will also be displayed in local schools as part a new educational loan scheme.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Many of us across the borough will have fond memories of the Drumcroon collection and we’re delighted that this new exhibition will be reviving the Drumcroon spirit.
“It will also showcase the artwork to the next generation as part of the schools loan scheme and we hope it will inspire new artists and creative minds.
“Here in Wigan Borough we truly value the wide-ranging impact of arts, culture and heritage and the Turnpike Gallery is well worth a visit.”
Drumcroon Education Arts Centre opened in 1980 in an old doctor’s surgery building on Parson’s Walk, Wigan.
It developed a national reputation for work in visual arts education and was a pioneer in placing artists in schools, enabling young people in the borough to experience at first hand the work of professional artists.
Part of its mission was to give local children access to original artworks by a range of artists.
The Drumcroon Collection includes prints, paintings, drawings, textiles and objects purchased from or donated by many artists over the years.
The collection includes works by some established British artists, including Patrick Heron, Victor Pasmore, Michael Rothenstein, Barbara Rae, Patrick Caulfield, Elisabeth Frink and many more.
After the centre closed in 2011, its collection of artworks and books were placed in storage, with some seeing the light of day in occasional temporary displays.
For more information and opening times, visit the Turnpike Gallery website (external link).
Posted on Friday 16th May 2025