Turning the temperature up on art: The Bingley Gallery Summer Exhibition

It would seem that warmer, brighter days give rise to more vibrant art and a new exhibition at a Bradford Gallery gives a chance for local artists to shine. The Summer Exhibition features a cornucopia of work - and probably more artists than have ever shared the space, so only a few can be mentioned here. Amongst the well-established, internationally known artists are Leyla Murr, the Eldwick-based abstract artist whose big, bold works bring joy. Bingley’s own Jane Fielder was inspired by some new acrylic marker pens to sit down immediately and paint what was in front of her in the kitchen…including the toaster. Tony Dexter, from Ilkley, has produced the boldest of coastal scenes, featuring the fishing cobles of Filey. Textile work is well represented: Paul Hudson combines print and weaving on two works inspired by The Bradford Textile Archive, whilst, the wet felted / free motion embroidery of Sarah Lyte of Seven Hands Designs provides a more delicate look. Refreshingly original are a series of hand embroidered vignettes of some of Bradford’s long-standing shops, including Roswitha’s Deli by Jade Marczynski.

There’s a return from some of our favourite artists of 2022: ‘Bonehead’ may have dropped out of art college many years ago, but his imaginative mind and practical skills are obvious in a series of stencil and laser-cut angels. Josie Barraclough, after a career change, away from teaching art to practising it, has contributed painted mixed media works and Suzanne McQuade is showing gently evocative coastal watercolours. For those with a taste for richer atmospheric oils there are Daniel Metcalfe’s field views.  Gallery regulars L. Amy Charlesworth and David Starley also have new oil paintings on show including landscapes of Hewenden Viaduct and Malham Cove.

Perhaps the most unusual exhibit is a book. Daniel Shiel, best known as an artist producing composite photos has turned his creative muse to writing.  His new book combines alternative history, fantasy and humour. ‘Thorntichronicon: A History and Guide to a Yorkshire Village and a Parallel World’ is an entertaining romp, which very loosely re-visualises the architectural remains of Thornton where he lived for many years.

For those looking for a taster of what Yorkshire’s artists have on offer, this show has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Bingley Gallery Summer Exhibition runs 13 July to 24 September