A series of new year- long interventions into The New Art Gallery Walsall’s Garman Ryan Collection has recently gone on display in the gallery until the 16 November 2014.

The Back to Front: 40 Permanent Collection Gems exhibition includes works selected by the gallery’s own Front of House team who were given the opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ and delve into the gallery’s Collection Store to find out more about the Permanent Collection, and then choose their favourite works to be brought out on display.

The 40 works also reflect the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Garman Ryan Collection in 2014. The Garman Ryan Collection was gifted to the people of Walsall by Lady Kathleen Epstein, and first went on display in July 1974 on the first floor reference room of Walsall Library. In line with Kathleen’s wishes the works are displayed in themed rooms, and the interventions fit within these themes.

The diverse range of work on display include a collage made by Dean Kelland following his Artist Residency at the Gallery in 2013; to a new sculpture acquisition by Damien Hirst’s fellow YBA Angus Fairhurst; and old favourites such as the portrait of Sergeant Major William Purvis; along with contemporary visitor favourites such as Peter Calleson’s Dead Angels.

An Artwork of the Month series accompanies this exhibition. Every month one of the interventions will be featured on our website, with an accompanying talk by its selector.

The New Art Gallery
Gallery Square
Walsall WS2 8LG United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)19 22654400
info@thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm
Sunday from 12pm to 4pm

Related images

  1. Polly Morgan, Myocardial Infarction, 2013, taxidermy and mixed media sculpture, Courtesy of the artist
  2. Chila Kumari Burman, Body Weapon, 1992, mixed media on paper, Courtesy the artist
  3. Isabel Rawsthorne, Multiple Dance Related Studies, 1960s, charcoal and pen on paper, Courtesy the estate of the artist