John Lyons at the Whitworth, Manchester

Saturday 18 May 2024

Many will remember remember John Lyons and Jean Rees who ran the Hourglass Studio Gallery in Hanging Royd lane, which was covered on HebWeb on a number of occasions in the early 2000s.

They moved away to Cambridgeshire.

John is now in his 90s and has been recognised for his contribution to the arts. Having had an exhibition at the Tate in London last year, he  now has  a full exhibition in the Whitworth in Manchester. His life's works in fact. And Hebden Bridge is mentioned in the exhibition. 

John Lyons and Jean Rees at the opening night of the exhibition.
Photo: Stephen Curry

The Whitworth Exhibition is entitled Carnivalesque and is described as the "first major retrospective exhibition of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons. It continues until the end of August.

Spanning six decades, the exhibition will survey his contribution to British art, literature and art education, centred on his exploration of Trinidadian folklore and mythology through painting and poetry. The show includes paintings, drawings and woodcuts, with selected small sculptures and sketchbooks. 

John Lyons at the opening night of the exhibition. Photo: Stephen Curry

It includes Lyons' poetry via text and sound, and importantly, explores the links between his visual and literary practices. An archival element considers Lyons' long career in art education and the arts ecosystem in Manchester, West Yorkshire, and nationally.

In this podcast, A Walk in The Park, Curator Olivia Heron and Cultural Park Keeper Fran Hayfron talk with John Lyons to take a look at the exhibition.