There’s a rare opportunity to see a work from one of the great painters in Blackpool, alongside a sound artwork made in response to the piece by young people at The Magic Club and an exhibition by celebrated contemporary artis Louise Giovanelli. Stephen Dunstan went to the preview event.
We get some iconic performers in Blackpool, and with Strictly and the Royal Variety Performance some iconic events too. The town is perhaps less associated with iconic artworks, though this has changed as The Grundy has brought work by Lowry and Turner to the resort among others. And now until 13 June there is the opportunity to see Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil.
One of Claude Monet’s earlier works, the painting captures misty light and reflective water, laying the foundations for Impressionism in an intimate and quietly powerful riverscape. It’s presented alongside a sound artwork created by children at The Magic Club. As ever at The Grundy Art Gallery you can see this landmark painting completely free of charge.
At the launch Paulette Brien, the Grundy’s Curator, spoke of the pride of herself and her team in this exhibition. As well as the Monet there is an extensive collection from celebrated contemporary artis Louise Giovanelli. After a decade’s absence Giovanelli is back at The Grundy with her From Here To Here To Here exhibition, which also features upcoming new talent with works from graduates of the Apollo Painting School. Giovanelli is currently travelling but will visit the gallery for events on the evening of 24th April and the morning of 25th April.
Per Rumberg, The Jacob Rothschild Head of the Curatorial Department at The National Gallery then addressed the audience and expressed his pride in being able to share these works with Blackpool and three other regional galleries with the support of insurance company Hiscox. Blackpool was among over 30 bidders to stage the exhibition. He noted that this was only the second time the work had left the National Gallery in over 20 years.
Finally Lynn Williams spoke on behalf of the Council welcoming this venture by the National Gallery in conjunction with The Grundy. She spoke of her pride at getting a work by Monet on display in the town, and how this was apt at a time when Blackpool has just been longlisted for City of Culture 2029. Councillor Williams also paid a fulsome tribute to Carolyn Primett, head of Blackpool Council’s Arts Service, on her last day before retiring with a legacy including Creative Blackpool, the Comedy Carpet, Lightpool Festival and more besides.
As part of the Masterpiece Tour, every Blackpool school will be invited to view the painting, alongside a schools’ exhibition and an opportunity to listen new sound work created by young people from The Magic Club in response to Monet’s work.
The exhibition is now open at The Grundy, Queen Street, Blackpool. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 4.45pm (final admission 4.20pm, closed Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays).
