News: Gallery Town refresh for Rotherham

In 2025, Gallery Town will officially relaunch across Rotherham town centre, bringing a fresh wave of public art to the streets, with vibrant new artworks appearing on buildings and landmarks.

Rothbiz reported in May on FLUX Rotherham, the Creative People and Places programme which co-creates community art projects and events across the borough, reimagining of Gallery Town, which will see new artworks on display at some of the town’s best-known buildings and places, including All Saints Square, the Three Cranes pub on High Street and the Civic Theatre.

One of the most prominent installations will appear on the side of Rotherham Council's Bailey House, visible from the A630 (Centenary Way). This key site will honour the memory of Daniel Barnett, a gifted young artist and former student of Thomas Rotherham College and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Before his untimely passing, Daniel had been accepted to study at Goldsmiths, University of London. A passionate advocate for cancer awareness, he appeared on national news channels, using his voice to campaign for teenage cancer support. He was also honoured as an Ambassador of Rotherham.

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Daniel's artwork, currently displayed as a striking 6m x 6m piece on Bailey House, reflects his deep creative spirit. His work has been shown at prestigious venues including Christie’s and Frieze Art Fair and is held in private collections.

In partnership with Daniel’s family, Gallery Town and FLUX Rotherham are launching a legacy art programme in his name. This annual opportunity invites young artists from Rotherham, aged 16–25, to submit uplifting, joyful 2D artworks for large-scale public display. Each year, one artwork will be selected for installation on Bailey House, ensuring Daniel’s legacy lives on by inspiring and supporting new talent.

Helen Jones, Programme Director of FLUX Rotherham, said: “Over the summer, people will start to see new artworks popping up across Rotherham, as we’re busy working behind the scenes with artists, community groups and schools to create new original works. We’re really thrilled to collaborate with Daniel’s family on commissioning a special piece for Bailey House, drawing on Rotherham’s amazing young talented artists.”

In All Saints' Square a new piece called Rotherham Remix is set to be on display. It was created by 25 students from Bramley Sunnyside Junior School with Ian Kirkpatrick whilst the contemporary artist was exhibiting at Wentworth Woodhouse. The artwork features flying fish, dragons, and robots in a vibrant vision of Rotherham.

Flux Rotherham has secured funding from the likes of the Arts Council and via Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture.

Gallery Town website

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News: New canvases for updated Rotherham Gallery Town

Bramley Sunnyside Junior School Year 6 pupils are contributing to a big art project in Rotherham town centre, thanks to a thought-provoking art exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse.

The 25 youngsters, who are completing their Art Awards, were invited to the grand Rotherham country house to meet contemporary artist Ian Kirkpatrick and tour his ICONOCLASH exhibition, which is making a bold statement at the mansion until June 29.

Afterwards, they got the opportunity to make their own iconic murals. Elements will feature in a new, bold and graphic artwork Ian is creating for Rotherham town centre later this year, as part of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.

Ian’s vibrant ICONOCLASH sculptures, huge paintings and tapestries clash symbols from the past with those from the modern world. Egyptian hieroglyphics and images from Greek mythology feature alongside graffiti, emojis, instantly-recognisable cartoon characters, iconic buildings and logos.

Ian explained the messages and meanings in his work to inspire the youngsters before they headed to the mansion’s Low Drawing Room to get hands-on in a workshop funded by Place Partnerships through Arts Council England.

FLUX Rotherham, the Creative People and Places programme which co-creates community art projects and events across the borough, asked the pupils to create eight giant landscapes depicting their vision for an eco-friendly, futuristic Rotherham.

Their canvases featured iconic Rotherham buildings, landmarks and symbols alongside fantasy figures and elements of nature.

Their creations will become part of the reimagining of Rotherham’s innovative arts project Gallery Town, which will see new artworks on display at some of the town’s best-known buildings and places, including All Saints Square, the Three Cranes pub on High Street and the Civic Theatre.

Gallery Town is currently working with local children and young people to create the artworks and a new consortium led by Flux Rotherham will develop a public art trail.

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At the ICONOCLASH workshop, Isla Nattrass, Emy Graysonand Gracie Cliff created a mural promoting equality and diversity.

Said Isla, 11: “We painted a rainbow tree, a symbol of growing, in the middle of a crossroads, showing the different paths you can take in life. It’s about equality and diversity. Sometimes people aren’t treated nicely, because of the way they look, or because they are a girl, or a boy, or transgender or LGBTQIA+. We think it’s really important for everyone to feel they have a place in the world and that Rotherham is somewhere where people are included.”

Joey Murray, Leo Taylor and Archie Garrett decided to include a neon-yellow version of iconic Rotherham monument Keppel’s Column in their artwork. Said Joey, 10: We want to say that Rotherham is a comfortable and homely place and that it has lots of interesting things to see. I’ve learned a lot today. I didn’t know about Keppel’s column, and now I want to go and visit, and I’ve enjoyed exploring Wentworth Woodhouse and Ian’s art.”

Sofia Traves said: “I have loved seeing ICONOCLASH and the workshop. I love art and getting what is in my imagination down on paper. Our poster says that we are Rotherham and we are proud of it.”

Artist Ian commented: “Working with the students was an amazing experience. Their enthusiasm and curiosity is reflected in the creative, innovative iconography they designed in our workshop. I will be excited to see their work in Rotherham as part of the Gallery Town.”

Head teacher Laura Robson said:” We feel very privileged to be part of this incredible experience. Creativity is very much at the heart of our school and we are very proud of our art curriculum. Learning and working alongside Ian was an unforgettable moment for our artists to inspire their future passions.

“Creating art at the beautiful Wentworth Woodhouse was iconic and added to the extra-special dimension of the ICONOCLASH workshop. We can’t wait to see how their creations are showcased in Rotherham.”

Gallery Town website
Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: Dramatic contemporary sculpture aims to help Rotherham town centre bloom

An eight metre high sculpture is set to be unveiled later this year in Rotherham town centre, the work paying homage to Rotherham’s rich industrial heritage as well as exploring our relationship with nature and our impact on the environment.

Camellia is a ground-breaking new artwork developed by internationally acclaimed sculptor James Capper. Commissioned by Gallery Town and jointly funded by Arts Council England and local businesses, Camellia is a moving sculpture which will stand at eight metres tall and features petals that react to the movement of light.

The project for the Gallery Town initiative was inspired by the camellia flowers brought to Wentworth Woodhouse in the eighteenth century, some of the oldest varieties known to exist in the UK.

Camellia has been fabricated by apprentices working at Brinsworth-based MTL Advanced Ltd, who have spent more than three months working with James Capper to breathe life into his unique concept.

Throughout the summer, James is inviting children and young people to explore their gardens, local parks and woodland and draw a silhouette or outline shape which has been inspired by the natural world. The designs could be made up of petals, flowers, leaves, trees or even a house plant, with some of the best designs being incorporated into the finished sculpture.

Camellia is the culmination of more than four years’ careful work by Gallery Town to bring a site-specific and thought-provoking contemporary sculpture to Rotherham. An accompanying exhibition is set to take place later in the year at Clifton Park Museum.



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James Capper, sculptor said: "My work has often been inspired by nature and explores the relationship between engineering and the natural world in sculptural forms. When I was approached by Gallery Town to produce a unique work for Rotherham, I was fascinated by many of the important contributions the town has made towards shaping the modern world, from the Rotherham plough, which helped to spark the industrial revolution, to the cutting-edge search and development that continues within the borough today.

"I wanted to draw on the town’s rich cultural and industrial heritage and beautiful green spaces to create a sculpture that I hope people visiting, living or working in the town will feel proud."

Nick Cragg, Chairman, Gallery Town, said: “Camellia is, without a doubt, Gallery Town’s most ambitious project to date. We wanted to create a work that would inspire, enthuse and even challenge our perceptions of the world around us, and James’ work certainly fulfils this challenging brief.

An important part of Gallery Town’s work over the past decade has been to give people living and working in Rotherham the chance to become a part of the Gallery Town experience. During that time, we’ve showcased the work of our youngsters, communities and up-and-coming local artists throughout the town. Camellia offers a chance for our young people to make their mark on a truly unique piece of sculpture, which we hope will be enjoyed by people living, working and visiting our town centre for many years to come.

Art can play a vital role in regeneration, and over the past three years our board has been working closely with Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Arts Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. It marks the beginning of an exciting new phase of the Gallery Town project and one that not only brings the work of an internationally renowned sculptor to South Yorkshire, but will also help to reinvent the way we think about our town centre.”

The closing date for entries is Friday 23rd September. More details about how to submit entries can be found on the Gallery Town website.

Launched in 2011, Gallery Town’s mission is to rejuvenate and celebrate Rotherham’s cultural history by using art to encourage, inspire and offer opportunities to explore our local community. Since its inception, the project has successfully displayed more than 100 works of art, which can be found in more than 60 locations across Rotherham’s town centre.

Gallery Town website

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News: Empty building given artistic license

An empty Rotherham industrial building has been converted into a new creative workspace which is designed to support the work of the local arts community.

1-4 Wortley Road was vacated in 2016 by Esco Corporation, a US manufacturer in the mining, construction and industrial sectors. It is now being used as "The Factory" on a meanwhile use and is hosting its first exhibition entitled 100 Portraits, featuring the works of local artists Chris Slater and Ken Horne.

The two artists set themselves the challenge of recording local life by capturing the lives of 50 local people creating a series of 100 portraits which they been producing throughout the course of 2017. In a unique twist, the duo also challenged themselves to complete each work of art within just one hour.

The event has been organised through a collaboration between Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR) and Gallery Town, a unique project delivered by a number of local businesses and organisations who came together to stimulate the regeneration of Rotherham town centre through the arts.

The opening evening last weekend was sponsored by Brinsworth-based DNA Metalwork and MTL Steel and marks the first collaboration of its kind between ROAR and Gallery Town and aims to build stronger links between the town's arts community and local business owners.

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Aiming to showcase a diverse range of works created by Rotherham-based artists, including Rising Nipsy and the Potty Knockers, John Stanton, ILIVEINASQUARE and Jennifer Booth, visitors will also be given the chance to experience sound art, as well as purchase a range of works produced by local artists.

Sharon Gill, chief executive of ROAR, said: "The launch of 100 Portraits marks the culmination of an exciting and challenging journey embarked upon by Chris and Ken. In February, they set themselves the challenge of recording daily life in Rotherham by chronicling the experiences of local residents and capturing them on canvass – setting themselves the deadline of producing each work within just an hour.

"The event is the first collaboration of this kind we have entered into with Gallery Town and we are hoping the evening will be a true celebration of the contributions made by local artists. Through our collaboration with Gallery Town, we are hoping it will create opportunities for local businesses to find out more about some of the truly unique and innovative work being undertaken within the borough as well as providing opportunities for local business owners to get involved.

"We feel the collaboration with Gallery Town marks an exciting step in the evolution of Rotherham's arts scene and we are looking forward to developing the relationship further in the coming months."

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Nick Cragg, chairman of Gallery Town, added: "There is some truly innovative and unique work which is being undertaken by Rotherham-based artists, and we believe the collaboration between ROAR and Gallery Town will help to achieve our long term ambitions of helping to stimulate the regeneration of Rotherham by showcasing the amazing home-grown talent on our doorstep.

"There is a lot of synergy between the work being delivered by ROAR and the long term aims of the Gallery Town project and we are looking forward to further collaborations in future.

"Art can play an enormously important role in stimulating economic regeneration, it's something which has been successfully embraced in many different parts of the UK and as home to Britain's largest open air art gallery coupled with a vibrant local arts community, we hope our work with ROAR will help to create an environment which showcases the skills of our home-grown artists whilst providing opportunities for local business owners to play an active role in helping to shape the future of our town."

100 Portraits is open daily until Saturday December 9 from 10-3pm.

ROAR website
Gallery Town website

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News: Street art helps transform empty precinct

As the Council continues talks to acquire Riverside Precinct in Rotherham town centre, the Gallery Town project has stepped in to add vibrancy to the run-down area.

Gallery Town is an open air gallery developed through a partnership between public and private sectors. It aims to attract more people into the town centre by displaying 100 pieces of art on the sides of buildings in 60 different locations around the town. It also aims to promote visual arts that enhance the town centre's cultural offerings, benefitting the local economy.

The project decided to help improve the area and delivered a project called Re-energising People through Regenerating Places which was funded by the Big Lottery Fund and supported by Rotherham Council.

The authority is in negotiations to buy the Forge Island site which is currently home to an empty supermarket and a car park following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. It wants to add the freeholds of the Riverside Precinct, and potentially the former Magistrate's Court building, to provide added value for developers interested in getting involved in proposals for a cinema and leisure hub.

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For Riverside Precinct, the project worked with dementia patients through workshops at RDaSH NHS Foundation Trust and asked participants to speak about their memories of Rotherham and key landmarks in the area. Participants worked with artists to create and influence artworks that reflected Rotherham town centre with the professional street artists then created heritage inspired artworks along with their own abstract and specialist designs.

The artists who worked on the project were led by a collective called Smashproof and comprised of South Yorkshire based street artists coLor, Marcus Method, Mr. Kisk, Trick 09 and Mila K. The heritage inspired artworks include the Chapel on the Bridge, a Cannon and the HMS Victory, Rotherham Minster, a Screw Tap and Fire Hydrant and Salmon as seen in the River Don.

Ged Jenkins Omar, project manager at Gallery Town, said: "Gallery Town are really pleased to have been able to deliver this project with some very talented South Yorkshire street artists. Working with dementia patients to explore local landmarks and their memories of Rotherham and then interpreting these into artworks was challenging but exciting. We think the precinct now looks a lot more vibrant and interesting and hope everyone visiting the town centre enjoys seeing them to."

Gallery Town website

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News: Gallery Town relaunch in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham regeneration project Gallery Town has undergone a refresh and brought 25 new artworks to Rotherham town centre.

In September 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town.

The latest additions include large scale installations of Johannes Vermeer's The Girl with a Pearl Earring, Edvard Munch's Scream and Soft Pressure by Kandinsky.

Gallery Town aims to use the medium of art and culture to help regenerate the town's culture and economy. The independent not-for-profit initiative has recently undergone a huge rebranding with a new logo and house font which can be seen on the "Welcome to Gallery Town" signs which have recently been installed on the platforms at Rotherham train station.

The signs were designed and donated by Rotherham-based graphic design studio, Idea UK and include four works of art and the project's new logo. The newly branded logo depicts someone heading into the town centre to shop, with the foreground showing a wall with artwork on it and the background playing host to the Rotherham Minster.

Other artworks going on show include pieces by Pollyanna Pickering, one of Brian Blessed by Nepalese artist Manish Harijan, two by acclaimed French artist Jean-Mark Janyzciak and many more by local artists and students.

An event was recently held at The Old Market Gallery in Rotherham to celebrate the rebranding and launch of the winter 2015 gallery refresh.

Ged Omar, project manager at Gallery Town (pictured, left), said: "We have had a terrific turnout which just goes to show that creative projects are thriving in Rotherham. The mix of businessmen and women, academic institutions, artists and various organisations and groups is a positive indicator that people are working together in Rotherham, for a better Rotherham. Gallery Town is one cog in the wheel of the town centre's regeneration and it's turning in the right direction.

"By improving Rotherham visually and culturally it is hoped that tourists and shoppers will reflect positively following their visit to the town centre therefore enhancing its reputation moving forward."

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News: More masterpieces heading to Rotherham town centre

Rotherham regeneration project Gallery Town has extended its artistic reach internationally and will be bringing large scale reproductions of masterpieces The Scream and The Girl with a Pearl Earring to its town centre for free public viewing this autumn.

In September 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town. The project, which was backed by the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) Board was started as a way to regenerate the town centre, attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses.

Several of the world’s most well-known masterpieces will be coming to Rotherham including large scale reproductions of work by Kandinsky, Rousseau and Edvard Munch. Possibly the most famous of these works is The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer – a piece kept permanently in The Hague since 1902 and the inspiration of Hollywood film by the same name starring Scarlett Johannsen.

These new additions arrive as links with The National Gallery in London are extended to include more international works that connect Rotherham with world renowned institutions such as The National Museum of Art in Oslo, Norway – the home of Edvard Munch's most renowned work, The Scream. This piece depicts Munch's personal experience with a sudden moment of severe anxiety and again is the inspiration behind a series of films of the same title name.

Previous classics on show in Rotherham include Bathers at Asnières, the masterpiece by French Post-Impressionist painter, Georges Seurat; The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet, the French artist who was a leading member of the Impressionist group of painters; and Sun Rising Through Vapour by JMW Turner, one of the greatest masters of British watercolour landscape painting.

Ged Omar, project manager at Gallery Town, said: "I think these international additions to the gallery will continue to build on the excellent regeneration work that is occurring in Rotherham town centre. Visitors and shoppers are offered a real cupful of culture when visiting the newly renovated High Street; with all its independent shops and cafes and the opportunity to gaze upon some of the world's most famous artworks. In the face of online and all under one-roof shopping this to me is a real cultural alternative."

Gallery Town website

Images: Wikipedia photographic reproduction considered to be in the public domain

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News: Artistic impressions from future workforce

Rotherham primary school children are being asked what the future world of work will look like as part of an art competition.

Gallery Town, a cultural regeneration project responsible for installing public art around Rotherham town centre, has teamed up with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and has asked primary school pupils to visualise how they see "The Future of Work."

The competition idea originated from the UKCES reports that investigate job trends and changes that may occur in the UK's future. Local pupils have been envisioning what new or different jobs may be needed? What types of equipment and technology will there be and will it look and feel different to do a traditional job like a nurse or a teacher?

UKCES is a publicly funded, industry led organisation providing strategic leadership on skills and employment issues in the UK. It has offices in Manvers and brings together commissioners that include CEOs of large and small employers across a wide range of sectors. Julie Kenny, chair and chief executive of Rotherham-based Pyronix Limited is one of the commissioners.

Gallery Town currently exhibits over a hundred installations of art across the town centre and engages with the National Gallery, local artists and local college and school pupils.

Along with the UKCES, the competition is being supported by local training providers XTOL Development Services and Ways 2 Work. These two companies form part of the The Phoenix Enterprises Training Group that collectively support learning and training within the workplace for both employers and employees.

The deadline for competition submissions is the June 12 and the winners and runners-up will be announced on the June 22. The winning piece of artwork will take pride of place in the UKCES office in the Department for Education in Westminster.

Alex Curling, assistant director at UKCES, said: "At UKCES we believe in inspiring young minds to look to the future, imagining what the world of work may look like in years to come. Our own research highlights a wealth of changes already beginning to take place, and we're looking forward to seeing how today's primary school children see tomorrow’s careers. Gallery Town has given us an excellent opportunity to do that in a very creative way."

Peter Butters, executive director at Phoenix Enterprises, added: "The Phoenix Enterprises Training Group, are very excited to be part of this creative and innovative initiative, and welcome the opportunity to make our young people and their parents aware of local innovative training solutions to meet their future needs."

Gallery Town website
UKCES website

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News: Heart of Steel for Rotherham town centre

A two metre high "Heart of Steel" is set to be installed in Minster Gardens in Rotherham town centre - "a symbol of love that local people have for their town."

The artwork is linked to the Man of Steel project - the iconic piece of art designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production.

The Heart of Steel is set to be on show at the popular pocket park on Corporation Street, next to Rotherham Minster. It comes after several trees in the area were removed at the request of South Yorkshire Police.

Sitting on a concrete plinth, the planned artwork is set to measure 2.2m high by 2m wide and be illuminated. Expected to be made of stainless steel, the replica will be the only other Heart of Steel created.

The planning application states: "Rotherham is a town with a big heart and the "Heart of Steel" sculpture will represent the "heart" of the community. It will be a symbol of the love people have for their town. It will also be a direct link to the Man of Steel sculpture."

Planning permission was granted conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high Man of Steel art installation, based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

The Man of Steel is to have his own Heart of Steel, a 2.5 tonne sculpture, made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. Partners have recently linked up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.

Until now the landmark project has been supported entirely by the private sector, but the new initiative allows for donations from members of the public which enables their names, or names of loved ones, to be on the heart of steel.

Rotherham was one of the first 50 towns in the UK to sign up as a BHF Heart Town as part of the initiative to bring entire communities together through local fundraising and volunteering to help beat heart disease.

In 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – installed in key outdoor locations around the town. The aim of Gallery Town is to help regenerate Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

Steve Mehdi recently joined the Gallery Town project. The artist said: "I was invited to join Gallery Town by its founder, Nick Cragg. His passion for art and culture, combined with a philanthropic flair has been used to great effect by creating Gallery Town and bringing art to the masses, as well as getting them to produce their own."

It is hoped that the Heart of Steel will be installed in the town centre this summer. A date for installing the Man of Steel has not been set.

Mehdi added: "Ultimately the Yorkshire Man of Steel is about the sons and daughters of Rotherham; past, present and future. It's also about the wider region, its heritage of steel and coal and perhaps more importantly it's about the recent advances in the new technology sector.

"The Yorkshire Man of Steel will become a destination for visitors, adding significant economic and cultural capital to the region."

Man of Steel website
Gallery Town website

Images: yorkshiremanofsteel.com / RMBC

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News: Burnt-out buildings brightened by artwork

The Gallery Town project has provided a blank canvas for local students as regeneration in Rotherham town centre continues.

In September 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town.

Now a row of derelict buildings on Corporation Street have been added to the open air gallery. Over recent years the buildings, including the Muskaan restaurant and Envy night club had fallen into disrepair, and so the decision was made to revamp one of the town centre's key streets.

The partnership between McDonalds Restaurants, Year 8 art students from Thrybergh Academy and Rotherham Borough Council's Shop Local and Gallery Town projects, gave the students a blank canvas to work with along the full length of the buildings' ground floors.

The students were given a brief to improve the look of the street and promote retail shopping in Rotherham Town Centre, especially the town's independent alternative offer. They came up with images for a colourful row of shops including a retro clothes shop, a sweets/cake shop and a florist.

Craig Buck of McDonald's said: "We jumped at the chance to be part of this project and were happy to help tidy up these empty units, including getting our hands dirty and painting! We even have a small version of the artwork inside our restaurant on Bridgegate, we liked it that much."

Bernadette Rushton, retail investment manager at Rotherham Borough Council, added: "Corporation Street is an important entry point into the town centre for shoppers and visitors alike. Much work has been done to the upper part of the street with the Minster Gardens and addition of new retailers, and the disused buildings are not up to the standard of the rest.

"It has been great to work with McDonalds and the Thrybergh Academy students, and we are very pleased with the results. Not only does it highlight the range of independent shops within the Town Centre but it is good to see the perspective from our younger Rotherham residents."

Rothbiz revealed earlier this month that discussions are taking place between developers and Rotherham Council regarding a high quality mixed use development on the site of the two large burnt out buildings on Corporation Street.

As regeneration work continues on the High Street, decorative hoardings are also being used to highlight what the restored Three Cranes and Georgian town house could look like when complete.

Gallery Town website

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News: Public art for public house

Gallery Town, the open air art gallery in Rotherham town centre has extended down Westgate and stopped off at the New York Tavern.

In 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town. The project, which is backed by the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) Board was started as a way to regenerate the town centre, attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses.

Rotherham's own Chantry Brewery acquired an empty pub on the edge of Rotherham town centre last year and gave it a new lease of life as The New York Tavern.

The innovative art project is being refreshed with new art in prominent locations around town. The New York Tavern is now displaying "Chapel on the Bridge," a piece depicting Rotherham's famous chapel on the bridge by 18th century Swiss topographical artist, Samuel Hieronymus Grimm.

Martin Horst, director of Rainforest Graphics, the project's chosen contractor (pictured, right), said: "I immediately thought of the newly opened New York Tavern on Westgate, because of the Chantry Brewery connection. I felt it was appropriate to feature the bridge, as it is one of only two in the whole of England."

Mick Warburton, director of the Chantry Brewery (pictured, left) was more than pleased to have the piece featured on the side elevation of the New York Tavern. He said: "I was really happy for the Brewery to be involved in this wonderful project and for the piece to be displayed at the New York Tavern."

Chantry Brewery opened in 2012 after significant investment in the latest brewing technology with all equipment built by Sheffield based Moeschle UK. The first beers were officially launched at the New York Beer Festival at Rotherham United's New York Stadium and award-winning ales include New York Pale, Iron & Steel Bitter, Diamond Black Stout and Mighty Millers, brewed to celebrate the football team's promotion last season.

The success of the first official "brewery tap" has led the directors to invest in the historic Cutler's Arms, also on Westgate. The building, which was recently listed as an asset of community value, is currently being refurbished and is planning to re-open in March.

Gallery Town website
Chantry Brewery website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Gallery Town's Spring refresh

The Mayor of Rotherham, Dave Pickering, has been pictured writing graffiti in Rotherham town centre.

Gallery Town in Rotherham's spring refresh has been launched by the Mayor and Mayoress, who contributed to a Graffiti Door inspired by a photograph called "Lover's Graffiti" by Paul Schatzberger – a work which people are invited to continue to contribute to. Local young people from Swinton Lock Activity Centre and artist Jamie Jones worked with the Mayor and other visitors on the artwork during the launch.

The art project, which is backed by the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) Board, was started as a way to regenerate the town centre, attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses. Since launching in 2011, it has built up to include over 100 large-scale reproductions of artwork from local artists, artists from further afield and local schoolchildren, complemented by famous masterpieces from the National Gallery.

Speaking at the launch event on Hollowgate, the Mayor said: "Gallery Town is a unique project that no other Town Centre in the country can lay claim to. It brings art within reach of everyone and is a major, positive step, towards aiding in the regeneration of the town."

The latest phase includes a number of doors for residents to add their own graffiti to, inspired by a photograph taken by Paul Schatzberger, a Sheffield based photographer and former doctor, who was delighted to be invited to participate in the Gallery Town project.

He said: "Wandering around Verona, Italy with my camera during a break in rehearsals of the European Doctors Orchestra, I come across this old doorway near Juliet's House. A romantic spot where countless people inscribe their names for the sake of love. Hundreds of personal graffiti cover the surface of the door. Romeo and Juliet may be the imaginary story of passionate young lovers written by Shakespeare, but that doesn't stop romantics from linking fact with fiction.

"The Verona city council consider providing replaceable panels for the use of graffitists. Rotherham goes one step further and gives us actual doors. Go for it!"

Approximately 30 new pieces are being added to the gallery with large scale reproductions installed in key outdoor locations around the town.

Other work includes a series of pieces that capture prominent Rotherham people from Sheffield-based artist Shelley Hughes that were specially commissioned by Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance.

The unusual showcase has already helped raise the profile of the artist with the unique artwork of author and educator, Gervaise Phinn already sold....to Gervaise Phinn.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town / Shelley Hughes

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News: Urban Pianos in Rotherham town centre

Retailers in Rotherham are taking note of an artistic initiative aimed at increasing the number of visitors in the town centre.

Taking their inspiration from Ben Kealey, the keyboardist for rock band Kasabian, Rotherham residents are getting involved in a project to turn old pianos into a work of arts.

Ben's "Sapheye Rae" was the first of Rotherham's urban pianos and is now installed in the new Gallery at Riverside House as part of the innovative "Gallery Town" project in Rotherham town centre.

Further pianos have been donated by members of the public and they will now be transformed at free arts and crafts workshops across the borough, funded by the Arts Council England.

There will also be free music workshops with composer Barry Russell to create a short tune that can be played on the pianos at events in the town centre with Get Sorted Academy of Music offering tuition.

Town centre businesses are already looking to take advantage of this unique art project as a way to boost trade. The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop has taken in a beautiful Brasted piano from a kind donor in Clifton, which has a permanent home in their shop. They will be decorating the piano themselves.

Kara Chapman, owner of Whistle Stop Sweet Shop, said: "We are looking forward to decorating the piano and we are really happy for local people to come and have their tuition actually in the shop."

Textile artist, Gemma Nemer will also host a piano at The Button Tin inside the Imperial Buildings.

If anyone would like to book a place on any workshop, join in writing of the tune, or would like more details, please call Lizzy Alageswaran of the Gallery Town Project on 01709 823636 or email community.arts@rotherham.gov.uk.

Lizzy said: "This project shows that Rotherham people have not lost their sense of fun - it's a wonderful idea to make unwanted instruments into works of art and it will create a fun and unusual event that will being more people into the town centre."

Gallery Town is an open air gallery consisting of over 90 pieces of artwork from local artists and schoolchildren and famous masterpieces from the National Gallery.

Gallery Town website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham town centre artwork refreshed

A new collection of artwork is being added to the open air art gallery in Rotherham town centre.

Curators are updating and replacing the large-scale artwork to make way for new pieces that the local community and visitors to Rotherham can enjoy in a unique way.

By the end of June 2012, Gallery Town will consist of over 90 pieces of artwork from local artists and schoolchildren and famous masterpieces from the National Gallery, all on the seasonal themes of families, holidays, and water.

They have been reproduced on a large scale and are being installed on key sites across the town including, pubs, shops and council buildings.

The innovative Gallery Town project was officially launched in September 2011 with an initial collection of 60 huge pieces of artwork.

An art trail has been produced that guides visitors around the town, pointing out the location and details of a selection of the art, with many more pieces to be discovered along the way.

The aim of Gallery Town is to help regenerate Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

The idea came from a group of local business people working alongside the local strategic partnership and town centre team looking at ways to regenerate and encourage more shoppers and visitors into Rotherham, in order to drive the local economy.

Nick Cragg, local entrepreneur and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, who is spearheading the project, said: "There is a definite link between art, culture and regeneration. This is an exciting time for the Gallery Town project and for Rotherham town centre with recent figures showing a continued increase in footfall.

"Along with new shops and high profile events, I'm confident that the artwork has played a part in bringing more people in, improving the town's vibrancy and economic vitality.

"With nearly 100 pieces of art on display, Rotherham really is Gallery Town."

One piece being installed this week is "For Mum" by Rotherham artist, Rachael Caddy. It is a large-scale reproduction of a pencil crayon portrait of the artist and her sister Jenny, and as the name suggests it was a gift for her Mother. It captures the close relationship of the sisters and also how much fun they have together, capturing a moment when they weren't taking themselves too seriously.

Rachael, a former student at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, said: "The Gallery Town project is a brilliant idea. It is fantastic that my art will be on display in my home town and it will be a unique showcase for me as I have recently set up in business as a professional artist.

"It is really important to me when creating a portrait to draw something that shows a person for who they are in a moment in time rather than something that is heavily posed and looks forced. Colour and composition are also very important for me as they can vastly alter the mood of a piece.

"I hope people enjoy it."

Bathers at Asnières, the masterpiece by French Post-Impressionist painter, Georges Seurat (pictured), has been installed in a prominent position after it was chosen as the favourite by visitors and residents in a recent ballot.

The spring / summer 2012 Gallery Town art trail is due to be officially launched today by Chris Rea, managing director of AESSEAL, one of the project's sponsors.

Details of artwork and artists are featured on the Gallery Town website and pupils from three Primary Schools in Rotherham have recorded their thoughts on the new National Gallery pieces.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Rotherham selects masterpiece for Gallery Town

A masterpiece by French Post-Impressionist painter, Georges Seurat, will be the stand out piece in the new collection at Rotherham’s open air gallery.

Visitors and residents were asked to choose which one of five world renowned artwork pieces they would like to see feature most prominently in the next phase of the Gallery Town project.

Ballot boxes were located within a number of town centre businesses, with customers at Peter Bird Hairdressers, the Central Snooker Club and Pantry Green submitting almost all of the ballot papers available.

Bathers at Asnières, a large scale oil-on-canvas painting showing a group of young workmen relaxing on the River Seine, came out on top and will be displayed in the largest, most prominent location in the town centre.

The spring / summer 2012 Gallery Town art trail is due to be officially launched in June on the seasonal themes of holidays, travel and water. The ballot included artwork by famous painters including Edouard Vuillard, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Jan Van Eyck and Georges Seurat.

Dating from 1884, the winning piece was painted whilst Seurat was 24. He used different techniques to create the heat and haze of a summer's day and made bridges and factories somehow compliment the relaxing scene.

This was the first of Seurat's large-scale compositions and shows him starting to develop his pointillist technique - using countless tiny dots of pure colour, placed in close proximity to each other that relies on a trick of the eye to create a brighter picture, much like modern televisions and computer monitors use pixels.

The original can be seen at The National Gallery in London and despite being rejected by the Paris Salon in 1884, it is now considered one of the best on display in their vast collection.

Nick Cragg, local entrepreneur and member of the Rotherham LSP Board who are leading the project, said: "I'm looking forward to seeing the Seurat take pride of place in Rotherham town centre. The whole collection is being refreshed, much like in a traditional art gallery, and we expect to see increasing numbers of visitors enjoying the art on display.

"Many thanks to everyone who voted and to the town centre businesses who hosted ballot boxes. It is pleasing to see more and more people getting involved in this unique project."

Large-scale reproductions of the masterpieces from The National Gallery will be displayed alongside work by Rotherham students and local artists.

New artwork will appear in the town centre over the coming months and tour guides will be available pointing out the location and details of the art, from the obvious, to those hidden away waiting to be discovered.

Gallery Town website

Images: Wikipedia. It is a faithful photographic reproduction of an original two-dimensional work of art and is in the public domain because its copyright has expired.

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News: Gallery Town artwork to be refreshed

The artwork on display as part of the Gallery Town project in Rotherham town centre is being refreshed, much like in a traditional art gallery.

As the next phase of artwork is just about to launch, local residents are being invited to vote on which piece they would like to see displayed most prominently.

By logging on to the Gallery Town facebook page (www.facebook.com/gallerytown), people have the chance to make their views count by taking part in the online ballot, which closes on Wednesday April 19 at 12 noon. Ballot papers can also be picked up and posted at locations in the town centre.

Five world renowned artwork pieces have been selected and the one which receives the most votes will be displayed in the largest, most prominent location in the town centre – this will be determined by whether a portrait or landscape piece is most popular. The artwork is by famous painters such as Edouard Vuillard, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Jan Van Eyck and Georges Seurat.

The spring/summer 2012 Gallery Town art trail is due to be officially launched in May on the seasonal themes of holidays, travel and water. This latest phase will feature reproductions of works by world renowned painters of the past, as well as artwork from local artists and school children from the Rotherham area.

In September last year, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town.

The artwork is already displayed on shops and well known buildings such as Rotherham Market, English Opticians, Pop nightclub, along with several pieces on College Lane, alongside the B&M store and the walkway from Corporation Street through to the town centre Tesco.

The project, which is backed by the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) Board was started as a way to regenerate the town centre, attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses.

Nick Cragg, local entrepreneur and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, said: "We had a great reaction from local people and retailers to Gallery Town during the first phase of artworks and it is really exciting to be introducing the next phase of the project. By running a ballot, we are hoping that as many local people as possible can get involved in choosing the artwork they would like to see displayed in the most prominent place."

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Rotherham optician shows his artistic vision

The latest piece of artwork to be displayed in the town centre open air art gallery has been painted by one of Rotherham's own retailers.

Nick English of T. English Optician was more than happy to allow a blank wall of his Wellgate property to be used in the innovative Gallery Town project. He was even happier when he found out he could use it to display his own work on a large scale.

Gallery Town involves the creation of an open air art gallery to help regenerate Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

The idea came from a group of local business people working alongside the local strategic partnership and town centre team looking at ways to regenerate and encourage more shoppers and visitors into Rotherham, in order to drive the local economy.

Nick's artwork, a stunning hand-painted lion, is featured alongside 60 pieces of artwork by local, national and world renowned artists and schoolchildren that have been displayed on the side of buildings in over 35 locations throughout the town centre.

Nick said: "I paint wildlife as a hobby using my fingers. This method gives texture to the piece and is also fun to do!

"I try to concentrate on specific parts of the subject."

As well as offering sight tests, contact lenses and designer spectacles, Nick welcomes artwork commissions.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Scots Guards artwork to be part of Gallery Town in Rotherham

Artwork celebrating the recent visit of the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards will feature in the next phase of Gallery Town in Rotherham town centre.

The world famous band marched through the town centre in their traditional bearskin hats and grey coats and performed a static display in All Saints’ Square last month. Spectators came out to line the streets and watch the performance, usually reserved for Buckingham Palace and the Trooping of the Colour.


The Band of the Scots Guards went on to perform at a Burns Night fundraising event at Magna in Rotherham, where around £20,000 was raised for PHASE, a charity that works to improve the lives of remote Himalayan communities, and The Scots Guards Colonel's Fund, which supports injured guardsmen.

A large piece of art measuring 4.5m x 6m was unveiled on the day. It was a reproduction of the overall winning entry in a competition where all of the category winners' work will feature in the next phase of Gallery Town in Rotherham town centre.

The overall winning entry was by Emma Haigh of E.M.S. Graphics Ltd in Rotherham and features iconic images of marching soldiers using the distinctive colours of red, black and white from the full-dress uniform of the Scots Guards. It also incorporates verses from the Robert Burns ballad, The Soldier's Return.

Emma Haigh, said: "It was an honour that my work was chosen as the winning piece. Seeing it displayed in such a fashion is possibly the most exciting experience as an artist and producing it in aid of such a prestigious event for Rotherham makes it so special.

"The Scots Guards visit was an amazing event which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would like to say a big thank you to Martin Horst at Rainforest Graphics and The Gallery Town project for reproducing my artwork."

After playing a key role on the day, her artwork will now act as a reminder of the historic event by becoming part of the next phase of Rotherham's Gallery Town project.

An open air art gallery has been created to help regenerate Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

Emma's Scots Guard piece will join other large works of art, totalling 60 in all (by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters) which have already been installed in key locations around the town as part of the first phase.

Plans are now underway to refresh the artwork on display, much like in a traditional art gallery.

Rotherham-based nationwide recruiter, Stafforce, sponsored the Burns Night event and helped organise proceedings.

Nick Cragg, chairman of Stafforce and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, is also spearheading the Gallery Town project. He said: "Emma's artwork is a fitting tribute to an event that was unique to Rotherham.

"By adding the piece to the Gallery Town collection, it will serve as a reminder for the local community and visitors to the town centre of what was a proud day."

Gallery Town website

Images: gallerytown.org.uk

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News: See Monet for nothing in Rotherham town centre

The largest piece of artwork has been added to the open air gallery in Rotherham town centre.

A stunning reproduction of The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet, the French artist who was a leading member of the Impressionist group of painters, is now in place on the side of Bailey House.

It is part of 'Gallery Town', a unique project that aims to help the regeneration of Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

The project is the brainchild of a group of local entrepreneurs working alongside the board of the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership), who came up with the idea as a way to attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses.

Up to 60 huge pieces of artwork - including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters - have already been installed in key locations around the town as part of the first phase.

Award-winning Rotherham company, Rainforest Graphics, installed the largest piece, which measures 6m x 6m, in the prominent position on Rawmarsh Road in November.

The building is currently being fitted out as the new home of the council’s heritage and archives services and The York & Lancaster Regimental Museum.

Nick Cragg, chairman of Stafforce and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, who is spearheading the project, said: "The Monet looks fantastic. It is in a great location next to Centenary Way, one of the busiest routes in the town.

"The local community and visitors to Rotherham will get to see an important painting that is usually reserved for those taking in the collection at The National Gallery in London.

"It is one of around 250 oil paintings that Monet produced of his own gardens in Giverny during the last thirty years of his life. They are amongst the most recognised and celebrated works of the 20th Century and were hugely influential."

The Autumn and Winter 2011 Art Trail for the first phase of the project is now available to download from the Gallery Town website at www.gallerytown.org.uk . It will guide visitors around the town, pointing out the location and details of the art, from the obvious, to those hidden away waiting to be discovered.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Rotherham is Gallery Town

Rotherham town centre is being transformed into "Gallery Town" as part of an exciting regeneration project.

The new outdoor art exhibition was officially opened last week and sees up to 60 huge pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters - installed them in key locations around the town.

The artwork is displayed on shops and well known buildings such as Rotherham Market, the Eastwood Building, Pop nightclub, along with several pieces on College Lane.

Nick Cragg (pictured, right), local entrepreneur and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, who is spearheading the project, opened the galley at RCAT's Wharncliffe restaurant alongside partners, Welcome to Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Nick said: "You only need to look at places like Bilbao in Spain or Liverpool, where art and culture has helped to regenerate whole cities and really put these places on the map with visitors and shoppers.

"The beauty of this exhibition is that it's not elitist art – it's art from all over Rotherham as well as from across the world and it's here for the foreseeable future to be enjoyed by everyone.

"It was really important to us that we included work by local artists and young people with a talent. We're also hoping it will encourage more community art from outlying areas of Rotherham, which can be included at a later stage as the gallery evolves. Not only should it help to regenerate the town centre but also give budding artists the opportunity to showcase their work in a highly visual environment that will help them to further their careers."

At the launch, loacal artist Nigel Senior, who lives at North Anston, was looking forward to seeing his painting "Composition 14" displayed above 20/20 clothing store on Westgate.

He said: "It was really flattering to be invited to exhibit one of my works in the town centre and I am looking forward to see how it is going to look. I really hope this exhibition gives a lot of pleasure to the people of Rotherham."

The launch also unveiled an "urban piano" being donated from Ben Kealey, keyboard player with rock band Kasabian, which will form an integral part of the open air gallery. Restoring pianos combines Ben's carpentry and artistic skills. Joining inspiration and innovation, he hopes to bring abandoned instruments back into vogue as an item of art or focal furniture rather than another candidate for landfill.

Gallery Town website

Images: Rotherham LSP / Tom Austen

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