Last week marked the opening weekend for a major art exhibition of works by Sheffield’s very own, Joe Scarborough.
Life in the Big Village, at Weston Park Museum is the first large-scale compilation of his work in more than 25 years, bringing together over 60 of his paintings and drawings. These bold and often humorous illustrations of Yorkshire life, celebrating the region’s past and present in his unique style, have been painted across a career stretching more than 60 years.
The free exhibition opened on Saturday and saw more than 1,500 people attended over the weekend.
Who is Joe Scarborough?
Joe was born in Sheffield in 1938, and is famous for his artwork which brings to life everyday scenes of Sheffield, and the South Yorkshire region.
His affectionate depictions of these everyday scenes pay tribute to the region, and most importantly its people. Whether celebrating its landmarks, or glimpses into Sheffield’s past; Joe’s paintings have become instantly recognisable due to his bold and joyful style.
Joe’s success, both locally and globally, led him to be commemorated in 2008 as one of the Sheffield Legends; getting a star on the ‘walk of fame’ located outside Sheffield Town hall.
Today Joe still lives in his hometown on his much loved narrow boat, continuing to paint; whilst his work furnishes the walls of many homes across Sheffield, as well as both public and private building across the world. Here at Wosskow Brown, we actually have a great piece displayed at our Attercliffe Head Office.
Don’t miss out
Joe’s work can be found in major art collections including that of Sheffield Museums and Sheffield Hallam university.
His largest piece to date, Sheffield Through the Ages, has a permanent home at Weston Park Museum. However his exhibit there, Life in the Big Village, is not so permanent; only running up until Sunday the 24th of November. So make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to see the first major retrospective of his work in a quarter of a century.
Joe Scarborough himself will also be attending the exhibition, on Tuesday 27th August (1:00pm-1:45pm), to talk openly about his life and work. You can find out more on this here.
Wosskow Brown Foundation
Joe was kind enough gift 100 signed copies of his piece, Sheffield at War. Business As Usual, to our Wosskow Brown Foundation.
As part of the Foundation’s WB100 programme, we have donated a number of these copies to local charities, in order to help them raise funds for great causes.
If you’re involved in, or know of, a charity that would benefit from one of these remaining signed copies please contact: jim@wosskowbrownfoundation.org.uk
