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The Nature of Gothic unites the museum’s own impressive collections with pieces of equal significance from world-renowned institutions.
Among the highlights are some of the earliest printed books and handmade manuscripts – including the Bedford Psalter, a national treasure on loan from the British Library, and an exquisite volume once owned by King Henry VIII.
Visitors can also admire a pair of exquisitely decorated 15th-century Qur’ans, alongside Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces such as Astarte Syriaca and Sir Galahad, the Quest of the Holy Grail.
Together, the works showcase how artists across centuries, cultures and disciplines have drawn inspiration from the natural world.
Adding a contemporary dimension, artists Jamie Holman and Nehal Aamir have also created striking new works for the museum’s collection, proving how nature continues to spark creativity today.
Special guests were invited to a preview where they heard the remarkable stories behind the pieces – and how this landmark exhibition reflects Blackburn with Darwen’s impressive cultural renewal.
Speaking at the opening, councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, told the packed audience: “Fittingly, it was Blackburn Museum’s very own Hart collection that inspired this exhibition – the most ambitious one ever staged here.
“Fascinatingly, it was unearthed by Dr Cynthia Johnson in the basement of this magnificent, 150-year-old building and is one of the UK’s most important collections of rare books and manuscripts.
“It was collected by Edward Hart – a rope-maker from here in Blackburn. He would travel to London with bags full of money to buy rare books and on his death, he bequeathed them to the museum for the people of the town.”
Indeed, the Nature of Gothic reunites Hart’s full collection of beautiful books for the very first time, with Cambridge University, where he studied, kindly lending the remaining six that he pledged to them.
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They are on show along with pieces from the likes of The British Library, Manchester Art Gallery, The De Morgan Foundation, The John Ryland’s Library, and more.
Councillor Riley added: “Even in its 151st year, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is making huge strides with a focus on ensuring collections and exhibitions are as relevant to people today as they have been throughout the last century and more.
“When it first opened, it made history by becoming the first free museum outside of London and today, it’s still bringing landmark ‘firsts’ to the town, and it’s a real joy to be able to share the wonder of having this magnificent exhibition right here in our borough.”
Nature of Gothic has been co-curated by Dr Cynthia Johnston from the School of Advanced Study at the University of London and Anthea Purkis, Curator of Art at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Johnston said: “The Nature of Gothic is a celebration of the natural world through some of the most incredible pieces, including many national treasures.
“Thanks to industrialists like Edward Hart, who saw the importance of collecting items from across the globe and leaving them for the benefit of the town, we can now explore the shared cultural theme of gothic decorative art through books, paintings, textiles and ceramics.
“Blackburn’s collection is astonishing in scope and quality. With this show, we place it firmly within the national narrative of collecting, creativity and exchange.
“This has been a truly collaborative project every step of the way and I’d like to thank those who have supported us and shared in our excitement.”
Footfall was up at the museum over the opening weekend, with visitors wanting to be the first to see the new, landmark exhibition.
Co-curator, Anthea Purkis, added: “The Nature of Gothic is an exhibition of legacies, and we hope its legacy will be to inspire future generations of artists here in Blackburn with Darwen.
“It is incredible to see the Hart collection reunited for the first time, and the exhibition is an incredibly powerful example of what happens when a local museum thinks nationally and curates with real ambition.
“This is all about weaving Blackburn with Darwen’s story into a much larger cultural fabric.”
The two brand-new artist commissions, which will become permanent additions to the museum’s collection, include:
- Jamie Holman, working with artists in Islamabad, has created a piece inspired by the Tregaskis bindings on loan from the University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library
- Nehal Aamir, who has previously featured in the National Festival of Making’s Art in Manufacturing programme, is producing a new series of ceramic standing frames exploring the passage of time through natural light.
The exhibition, which runs until 13 December, also coincides with major cultural events in the borough, including the British Textile Biennial throughout October and Gaia at Blackburn Cathedral (October 6 – November 16).
It has been funded by the Brian Mercer Trust and delivered as part of the Museum’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status with Arts Council England.
Significantly, the exhibition plays a key role in Blackburn’s ongoing story of cultural renewal.
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 4:45pm and is always free to visit.
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