The North Yorkshire Council-owned Mercer Art Gallery has teamed up with commercial gallery, Goldmark, to host the exhibition – entitled ‘Look, Look Again!’
The exhibition, whose title is taken from a quote attributed to post-war artist Prunella Clough, will feature the best of the Mercer’s collection of pre- and post-war British art, alongside Goldmark’s own collection of works, which will be available for sale.
A spokesperson said: “This innovative approach will not only result in a visually stunning collaboration but also generate income for the Mercer – an increasing necessity in a time of budgetary stress for councils all over the country.”
The exhibition will be hung chronologically, starting with the pre-war Neo-Romantics, moving through the wartime art, and finishing with the “absolute explosion” of art in the post-war years.
Prunella Clough’s own work will also feature “significantly,” thanks to a donation to the Mercer by the late Yorkshire-based writer, artist, and photographer, David Morgan Rees.
The Morgan Rees collection includes original paintings and sketches by the likes of Keith Vaughan, John Minton, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Leonard Rosoman, and John Craxton.
Karen Southworth, curator of Harrogate Museums, said: “We were honoured that David Morgan Rees donated his exquisite collection to the Mercer.
“We were deeply saddened to hear the news of his death late last year – he will be much missed by everyone at the gallery.
“The 26 works are the largest philanthropic gift we have ever received and they dovetail beautifully with the existing holdings in Harrogate’s Fine Art Collection and with the Roebuck collection at North Yorkshire’s Craven Museum.
“Work from all three will be key to ‘Look, Look Again!’
“We are also extremely pleased to be working with Goldmark Gallery.
“Their own exceptional collection of 20th century art by such as Rigby Graham, Dennis Creffield, and Michael Rothenstein is a perfect match for the ‘Look, Look Again!’ narrative.
“They will enhance every aspect of the show.”
For full details, please call the gallery direct on +(44) 01423 556188 or visit goldmarkart.com