Millscapes

17 November 2007 - 2 February 2008

Millscapes explores how artists have represented the unique industrial architecture of the North West.

The exhibition is a journey from the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in the 1790s, through the decline of the textile industry after World War II, to today's changing skylines.

Paintings of early mills in rural settings contrast with images of those built on the edge of urban developments and dark, smoggy industrial landscapes provide a stark contrast to optimistic paintings such as Harry Rutherford's Mill Girls, Ashton.

Works by a number of contemporary artists illustrate the ongoing inspiration of the North West's changing urban landscapes.

Artists include L.S. Lowry, J.H. Carse, Julian Trevelyan, Adolphe Valette, Theodore Major and Liam Spencer.

Millscapes is jointly curated by Gallery Oldham and Touchstones Rochdale. The exhibition is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Free exhibition talk: Wednesday 9 January, 1pm.

Cops and Bobbins

17 November 2007 - 2 February 2008

Cops and Bobbins looks at the history of the textile industry in Oldham and Saddleworth through items from Gallery Oldham's Social History and Art Collections.

Birth of a Milltown, the first stage of the exhibition, examines the rapid growth of Oldham during the early 19th Century.

A Golden Age of Mill Building uses architectural drawings from Oldham Local Studies and Archives to illustrate the blossoming industry between 1890 and 1920.

Decline and Fall traces the post World War II decline of the textile industry and features stories from those affected.

The exhibition looks beyond Oldham to the worldwide impact of the textile industry. From the 19th Century when Oldham consumed vast quantities of cotton grown by American slaves, to the 20th Century when immigrants moved here to work in the mills as the industry declined.

On show at the same time is Cotton Mills in the Landscape, a display at Oldham Local Studies and Archives (in front of Gallery Oldham).

Free exhibition talk: Wednesday 12 December, 1pm.

Trees

2 February - 14 June 2008

Our native trees - a growing or outdated resource?

Trees are the oldest and tallest free-standing organisms in the world. Our woodlands are a natural habitat in which you can be easily immersed, with a canopy above you, a shrub layer all around you and a ground layer beneath your feet, all of which are continually changing.

Trees have inspired artists and poets throughout time. The ever-changing forest is seen as an enchanted place which can be magical and colourful or dark and moody depending on the tree species within.

This exhibibion looks at the trees that inhabit Britain and explores their use as a resource today.

Trees brings together objects from Gallery Oldham's natural history, social history and fine art collections.

Exhibition Opening Event: Saturday 9 February, from 1pm.

An afternoon of talks and family activities celebrates the opening of the Trees, Out of China and Theodore Major 1908-1999 exhibitions.

Lunchtime Talk: Wednesday 12 March, 1pm, free.

Out of China: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff

2 February - 19 April 2008

Out of China is an exhibition of giant porcelain vases created by one of Britain's most respected ceramic artists, Felicity Aylieff.

They were made in collaboration with Chinese potters during her recent residency at a 'big ware' factory in the historic porcelain centre of Jingdezhen. The vases have been made using traditional Chinese techniques, but decorated in a range of innovative ways. Aylieff has experimented with expressive surface painting, layered colours, transfer decoration and carving to create bold and vivid effects.

You can wander around these stunning works in a gallery full of natural light. The exhibition also includes Aylieff's working drawings and illustrated excerpts from her journal of the residency.

Exhibition Opening Event: Saturday 9 February, from 1pm, free.

An afternoon of talks and family actvitities launch the Out of China, Trees and Theodore Major 1908-1999 exhibitions. Felicity Aylieff will talk about her work at 2:30pm.

Lunchtime Talk: Wednesday 13 February, 1pm, free.

Theodore Major 1908 - 1999

9 February - 10 May 2008

A unique opportunity to see the largest ever selection of Theodore Major's work, celebrating the centenary of this remarkable artist's birth. Major was one of the 20th Century's most powerful and committed artists whose work expressed both his sympathy with working people and an over-riding spiritual conviction.

The exhibition includes portraits and still life paintings, powerfully symbolic industrial landscapes, images from the haunting skeletal series The Crucifixion of Mankind and late works from the Monster of War series.

The acclaimed biographer June Rose and the artist's daughter Mary Major have co-written a new book on Theodore Major to coincide with the exhibition. Mary Major has also provided a unique insight into his work in the accompanying exhibition text.

Exhibition Opening Event: Saturday 9 February, from 1pm, free.

An afternoon of talks and family activities launching the Theodore Major 1908 - 1999, Trees and Out of China exhibitions.The Theodore Major 1908 - 1999 exhibitiion will be officially opened by Rabbi Lionel Blue at 1:45pm. Mary Major and June Rose will be signing copies of their new biography of Theodore Major 2-3pm.

Theodore Major Centenary Event, Tuesday 19 February, free.
Gallery Oldham opens at 6:30pm. Mary Major will give a talk about her father's work from 7-8pm.

Lunchtime Talk: Wednesday 9 April, 1pm, free.