Beverley Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the East Riding Treasure House on Champney Road in Beverley.
For a location map and details of admission costs and opening hours, please use our museum and gallery finder.
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There are two exhibition galleries at Beverley Art Gallery. The first of these shows works from the permanent collection, which includes the largest collection of works by celebrated local artist Fred Elwell and his wife Mary Dawson Elwell. More information on the Elwells is available below. The gallery also has a display chest in which smaller items from the permanent collection, and those sensitive to light, are displayed. The world's largest cattle painting, "A Panic" is on permanent display here.
The second of the two galleries shows a programme of temporary exhibitions of local artists and touring exhibitions. See exhibitions for details of this year's programme.
The art gallery also runs a programme of events, often related to current exhibitions. There are plenty of children's activities, including a drawing table and display area for childrens' own artwork and interpretation sheets to help them understand paintings and sculpture. For more information on the types of activities available, go to learning resources.
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The displays from the permanent collection change from time to time in order to keep the gallery fresh. In addition to showing pictures from the collection, the following projects form part of the display in 2012:
It's Still Life! A display of still life paintings from the collection, complemented by poetry by Richard Dillon. On display until March 2012.
In the display cabinet from January: Introducing Charles Warren Clennell.
6 Feb - 1 June: Rocking Chair No. 2. (1950) by Henry Moore (1898-1986). This item is on display by courtesy of a generous benefactor who has entered into a "shared care" agreement with Beverley Art Gallery to allow it to be shown to a wider audience. The benefactor wanted the work displayed in Yorkshire but felt that Moore's work was well represented in many of the larger galleries. The picturesque town of Beverley with its "delightful Edwardian gallery" appealed instead.
March: One Picture, Many Stories. Focusing on the many and varied histories or 'stories' of The Nubian Slave by Frederick Cayley Robinson (to be confirmed).
In the display cabinet: Lawrence Sterne and the York Gazetteer.
From May/June: Landscape Paintings from the Beverley Picture Collection, with contemporary sculptures by Peter Brown. On display until December 2012.
In the display cabinet: The Champney Library: a love of landscapes and the Old Watercolour Society.
August: In the display cabinet: Mr Champney and Japonisme featuring art works by Gideon Johnson.
September: The Schools. An exhibition of works by ex-students of the Royal Academy schools, which focuses on the history of art school education.
In the display cabinet: Art Education in Hull and East Riding. (To be confirmed.)
November: In the display cabinet: Buffalo Bill in the East Riding.
2 Dec 2011 – Feb 2012: 16th Annual East Riding Open Art Exhibition. The annual showcase of work by artists from Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
11 Feb - 24 Mar: Capturing the East Riding. A two-stage amateur photograph competition organised by the East Riding Cultural Partnership. One hundred of the best photographs submitted by local photographers will be on display at Beverley Art Gallery before travelling to Sewerby Hall, Goole Museum and Pocklington Arts Centre.
31 Mar - 26 May: Beverley and Beyond - Textiles from Diverse Threads. Diverse Threads is a textile art group comprising 10 members who meet regularly in York. The exhibition showcases the group's latest work and is complemented by a series of textile workshops for adults. There is also an opportunity for younger visitors to handle objects in the gallery throughout the exhibition.
2 June - 30 June: Eduardo Paolozzi. General Dynamic F.U.N. A Hayward Touring exhibition from Southbank Centre, London, on behalf of Arts Council England. The Scottish-born Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in Britain. This exhibition of 50 screen prints and photolithographs created between 1965 and 1970 shows his unusual view of household names and familiar faces of consumer advertising, high fashion and Hollywood.
14 July - 15 Sept: It's All in the Mind. Metalwork Sculpture by Hilary Cartmel. This exhibition explores the human imagination and seeks to make solid what is intangible and transitory. Hilary uses natural forms as a starting point - plants, birds and nests, and combines them with empty spaces and dark interiors.
22 Sept - 24 Nov: The Schools. The Royal Academy Schools has provided formal art training since 1769. While the programme of study has altered over the years the Schools continue to boast a "strong sense of identity, tradition and community". This exhibition features work by past students who attended the Schools between the 1960s and the 1990s and will assess the impact the Schools had on their work.
7 Dec - 2 Feb 2013: 17th Annual East Riding Open Art. The annual showcase of work by artists from Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Application forms are available from the Gallery in early November.
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The following downloadable document has full details of all events run by the museums service in 2012, including those at the Art Gallery. Events can also be searched for and booked by using our online events calendar.
Museum Events Programme 2012 (pdf 849kb opens in new window)
Thursday 2 February: Drawing Session. 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in to the gallery and have a go at sketching from life. The sessions will be led by a qualified art tutor and will be inspired by the permanent collection and the various exhibitions in the gallery. Free drop in activity suitable for adults and young people. All materials will be provided. Strictly no experience necessary!
Thursday 1 March: Drawing Session. 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in to the gallery and have a go at sketching from life. The sessions will be led by a qualified art tutor and will be inspired by the permanent collection and the various exhibitions in the gallery. Free drop in activity suitable for adults and young people. All materials will be provided. Strictly no experience necessary!
Thursday 5 April: Drawing Session. 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in to the gallery and have a go at sketching from life. The sessions will be led by a qualified art tutor and will be inspired by the permanent collection and the various exhibitions in the gallery. Free drop in activity suitable for adults and young people. All materials will be provided. Strictly no experience necessary!
Wednesday 11 April: Diverse Threads - Textile Art and Crafts. 10am to 3pm. Weave a landscape picture, make a pom-pom and create a fabric collage inspired by the "Diverse Threads" exhibition in the Art Gallery. Diana Barrett of Diverse Threads will be on hand to help and inspire. Free drop in activity suitable for children and families. Play table activities available for little ones. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 14 April: Embroidery demonstration by Carol Coleman of Diverse Threads. 10am to 3pm. Carol Coleman specialises in free-machine embroidery, in particular highly decorative embroidered jewellery. Her work features in our exhibition of textile artworks "Beverley and Beyond". Free drop in to the Gallery to see Carol at work and pick up tips and inspiration. Suitable for adults and young people.
Thursday 3 May: Drawing Session. 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in to the gallery and have a go at sketching from life. The sessions will be led by a qualified art tutor and will be inspired by the permanent collection and the various exhibitions in the gallery. Free drop in activity suitable for adults and young people. All materials will be provided. Strictly no experience necessary!
Thursday 3 May: Textile workshop led by Gina Smith of Diverse Threads. 10.30am - 3pm. Book in advance £10 (workshop deal: book all four textile workshops for £30). To complement the exhibition "Beverley and Beyond", Gina Smith of Diverse Threads will be leading a workshop on the theme of "architecture and hand embroidery". The inspiration for this session will be the buildings of Beverley. The finished piece of work will be suitable for a picture or a card. Materials are provided but please bring a selection of needles and scissors. Buy a sandwich from the cafe or bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults.
Thursday 10 May: Textile workshop led by Susan Giles of Diverse Threads. 10.30am to 3pm. Book in advance £10 (workshop deal: book all four textile workshops for £30). Explore the technique of "Shibori", which involves folding, dyeing and wrapping fabric, and use it to create your own unique artwork. The workshop complements the exhibition "Beverley and Beyond". Materials are provided but please bring a selection of needles and scissors. Buy a sandwich from the cafe or bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults.
Thursday 17 May: Textile workshop led by Diana Barrett of Diverse Threads. 10.30am to 3pm. Book in advance £10 (workshop deal: book all four textile workshops for £30). Create a mini landscape in this workshop led by Diana Barrett, whose work features in our textile exhibition "Beverley and Beyond". Participants will use a varnish transfer process to put images of the East Yorkshire landscape onto fabric which they will then embellish with a variety of stitching styles. Materials are provided but please bring a selection of needles and scissors. Buy a sandwich from the cafe or bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults.
Tuesday 22 May: Textile workshop led by Cluny Chapman of Diverse Threads. 10.30am to 3pm. Book in advance £10 (workshop deal: book all four textile workshops for £30). Cluny Chapman's archaeology-inspired textile work features in our exhibition "Beverley and Beyond". In this workshop participants will create a design based on the forms of ancient buildings which they will then work up into a finished textile picture. Materials are provided but please bring a selection of needles and scissors. Buy a sandwich from the cafe or bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults.
Saturday 18 August: Art and Craft. Inspired by Hilary Cartmel. 10am to 3pm. Make a wire sculpture, have a go at paper quilling, make a collage and a greetings card - all inspired by our fantastic summer exhibition of metal sculpture by Hilary Cartmel. Free drop in activities suitable for all. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 6 October: The Big Draw. 10am to 3pm. Get sketching! Have a go at drawing from life, inspired by the exhibits in the gallery. A tutor will be on hand with tips to get you started. Free drop in activity suitable for adults, children and families. Strictly no experience necessary! Colouring and collage activities will be available for younger participants. All materials will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday 9 December: Festival of Christmas Creative Activities. 10am to 3pm. Get into the Christmas spirit by making festive decorations and gifts for family and friends. Free drop in activities to suit all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Beverley’s Museum and Art Gallery opened to the public on 23rd August 1910. Fuelled by popular appeal and a firm conviction that they served an education and morally uplifting purpose, public galleries had been springing up throughout the country, particularly since the 1870s.
The idea to fund a public library with museum and art gallery was first put forward in 1902 when John Champney, a native of Beverley, approached the Town Council with the offer of funding. Further funds were donated by William Spencer to buy the land.
The public library opened in 1906 together with a ‘picture gallery’ where the portraits of both benefactors were proudly displayed. Four years later, Champney’s scheme was completed when Beverley museum and art gallery was formally opened.
As was customary at the time, both museum items and works of art were displayed alongside each other. The museum collection was quite diverse, the walls of the gallery were densely covered with magnificent pictures including a range of works by local artists including Fred Elwell.
In 1928, again with funds provided by John Champney, a new wing was added to the building, providing space for a reference library on the ground floor and a second gallery (which also served as a public lecture hall) on the first floor.
Disabled access to the gallery on the first floor was limited until the new East Riding Treasure House was opened in January 2007. The Treasure House also has an environmentally-controlled store room that provides a more suitable home for the pictures to ensure they are well preserved for the future.
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An established and renowned woodcarver, James Elwell was involved with the Museum and Art Gallery from the very beginning. He was a distinguised civic figure, serving as Town Councillor and Mayor of Beverley in 1900 and 1902. As Chairman of the Library Committee, he organised the inaugural exhibition of paintings in 1910. The exhibition featured a selection of works on loan from local collectors and a considerable number painted by his talented son, Fred.
Born in Beverley in 1870, Fred Elwell was initially trained in draughtsmanship by his father. Evidently talented, he began his academic training at the Lincoln School of Art and later attended the academies in Antwerp and Paris. With local support Fred’s artistic career flourished and when the Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1910 the opening exhibition was dominated by his work.
Fred was elected to full membership of the Royal Academy in 1938.
Royal Academy (external website)
In 1914, Fred married Mary Dawson Holmes, a fellow artist. She too was involved with the gallery from the beginning, and donated a considerable number of her works to the collection. He left the gallery many of paintings upon his death in 1958, Beverley Art Gallery now holds the largest collection of paintings by Fred and Mary Dawson Elwell.
Another contributor at the Royal Academy was Fred's nephew, Kenneth. Having received instruction from his uncle his work demonstrated great promise. Sadly, Kenneth Elwell never realised his artistic potential as he died on his return from war in 1945.
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Art galleries generally collect works that commemorate local dignitaries and celebrate their local environment. Since 1906, the gallery has been amassing portraits of the 'great and the good' of the East Riding.
Like many galleries, Beverley benefitted from the good will acts of those who had amassed fortunes during the Victorian and Edwardian years. For example, John Edward Champney had secured a considerable fortune in the textile industry, and not only donated funds for the building but also left in his will a substantial number of paintings.
The personal taste of the principal benefactors has determined the nature and range of the collection. Champney favoured contemporary British paintings that were largely influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites and the Aesthetic Movement.
Evelyn Barron also favoured contemporary works. However, with a relatively modest income, he focused on watercolours and etchings. Nevertheless, his donation includes works by a number of distinguished painters and etchers including Arthur R Middleton Todd R.A.
Without doubt the most significant contributor to the collection was Fred Elwell. Following his death in 1958, Fred Elwell left a "magnificent collection of pictures" to the town. Today, in addition to being displayed at the Art Gallery, many of the pictures from the Elwell collection are on permanent display in the Beverley Guildhall.
The East Riding Museums Service continues to add to the collection and invaluable contributions from generous donors continue. Recent acquisitions have included bronze maquettes by the sculptor Jacqueline Stieger and a selection of pen and wash drawings by James Neal A.R.C.A.
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The Beverley art gallery collection, together with the collections of all the other museums, can be accessed by going to East Riding Treasures Online.
East Riding Treasures Online (external East Riding website)
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The East Riding Open Art is a display of artwork from both local amateur and professional artists. Anyone is eligible to submit a work for the Open Art, but due to limitations of space it is not possible to display all the works submitted. A panel therefore decides which works will be shown.
This year's Open Art exhibition is now on display and entries are closed for this year. Application forms for the 2012 Open Art will be available from October/November 2012.
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There is an Art Gallery mailing list that allows you to be sent advance information on exhibitions and events at the gallery, and invitations to exhibition previews.
Please complete the art gallery mailing list form with your details. Alternately you can visit the Treasure House and register your details in person.
Mailing list application (pdf 320kb opens in new window)
If you would like to become more involved with the Art Gallery there is also a Friends group that you could join.
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The following downloadable document gives details of all the exhibitions and events in the Treasure House, and includes background information on the Art Gallery.
Treasure House Exhibitions and Events 2012 (pdf 1mb opens in new window)
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