Landmark exhibition paints rare opportunity
Press
Release
4 October 2011
ART LOVERS from across the globe are expected to flock to Manchester to see new works by one of the UK’s most popular and successful contemporary artists alongside rare pieces of art by Valette, the teacher of L.S. Lowry.
The exhibition will showcase the largest collection of Valette pieces ever for sale to the public, with 24 in total. This includes one of the oldest and largest Valette oils in circulation, Factories and Warehouses, dated 1908.
L.S. Lowry’s painting of Piccadilly Circus is expected to fetch up to £6 million when auctioned for the first time next month. It is expected that this will result in an increase in value for the works of Valette.
Valette has had a huge influence on British painters of urban scenes including Liam Spencer, one of the rising stars of the contemporary arts scene.
The Adolphe Valette and Liam Spencer exhibition opens on 20th October and runs until 19th November at Clark Art in Cheshire.
Burnley born Liam Spencer is best known for his vivid portrayals of urban life in Manchester and Salford. His uplifting style has become instantly recognisable. This month’s exhibition will unveil 51 new works of art by Spencer.
At 47, Spencer is one of the youngest artists ever to have a retrospective exhibition at Manchester City Art Gallery (in 2006) and they have his work on permanent display.
Spencer came to prominence in 2000 with an exhibition at the Lowry Centre and was asked to create the artwork for the 2008 UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium. In the last 10 years he has had regular sell out shows and built up a loyal following amongst collectors.
Bill Clark, owner of Clark Art which is hosting the exhibition, said:
“This is one of the most exciting exhibitions we’ve ever held at the gallery. It will feature the work of two of the greatest Northern artists. Although Valette and Spencer were born 88 years apart, there are similarities in their painting styles and subject matter. Whilst Valette is best known as the teacher of L.S. Lowry and the creator of a series of impressionist paintings of Edwardian Manchester, Spencer is one of the most important northern artists of his generation and paints Manchester as it is today. The two artists complement each other beautifully and the exhibition will be a unique opportunity to see and purchase work never previously displayed.”
French impressionist Valette (1876-1942) arrived in Manchester in 1905 where he studied and then taught at the Manchester School of Art, famously teaching L.S. Lowry, who went on to achieve worldwide fame.
The exhibition will coincide with a major retrospective exhibition of the work of Valette at The Lowry Centre Salford which opens on 15th October.
Liam Spencer graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Manchester Polytechnic in 1986. He now runs his own studio in Rossendale.
Ends
For further information, an interview with gallery owner Bill Clark or artist Liam Spencer, and photography contact:
Victoria Richardson or Heidi Boden - 0161 927 3131
victoria@rmspr.co.uk heidi@rmspr.co.uk
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