Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy

PRESS RELEASE
Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy
18 February - 9 April 2012

[right]Julien Breton, Freedom- Field at Creswell, Photography by David Gallard.

Discover the shapes of words and the Signs for Sounds at the Harley Gallery, 18 February - 9 April.

The exhibition explores letterform and calligraphy, from traditional quill pens and stone cutting, to tattoos and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you love writing letters with a proper fountain pen, playing with new computer systems, or are learning your first joined up writing, this exhibition has something exciting for you to see.

Gary Breeze's work, inspired by Roman abbreviations, has echoes in the shortened text speak of today. Jason Edward Lewis' virtual typography gives visitors chance to experiment and re-shape poetry on touchscreen monitors. Bunny Bread brings graffiti into the Gallery, while Jeremy Tankard shows us how a typeface is designed.

New works have been commissioned for this exhibition. Julien Breton has made light calligraphy especially for Signs for Sounds. His pieces spanning traditional calligraphic techniques, photography and choreography, were made in the local area and include Welbeck, Creswell and Worksop.

Tim Donaldson, famous for creating the worlds largest hamburgefonts with a two foot wide brush, and for writing texts that you can't read, will produce a new work at the Gallery. Visit and watch his performance, with splashes of ink, swoops from oversized brushes, and lots of lovely lettering. Free entry, Sunday 19 February, 12oon - 2pm.

Visit Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy to see a chorus of artists and designers voices. The exhibition is showing from 18 February until 9 April.

The Harley Gallery is on the A60 between Mansfield and Worksop, is free to enter and also has free parking.

Signs for Sounds is a Harley Gallery touring exhibition curated by Jeremy Theophilus.

Runners and Riders: The Rise of Modern Horse Racing

PRESS RELEASE
Runners and Riders: The Rise of Modern Horse Racing
5 May 2012 - February 2014

[right] Abraham Cooper, 1836
Lord George Bentinck’s horse “Miss Elis” and Van

Discover racing history straight from the horse's mouth with a new exhibition at The Harley Gallery, Welbeck. Opening on Saturday 5 May, the exhibition will show objects and paintings telling how the Cavendish Bentinck family at Welbeck helped change the face of horse racing, to become the sport we know today.

Did you know that the horse box was invented by the 4th Duke of Portland's younger son, Lord George Bentinck? Lord George realised that the horses would race better if they were transported to the race, and started to use a van to move them. His horses had an advantage, and his competitors quickly copied the idea.

Lord George immersed himself in the sport; he was a renowned gambler, esteemed owner and encouraged reforms to better regulate horse racing - including encouraging the use of a starting flag.

This exhibition will uncover the history of horse racing at Welbeck, and includes a rocking horse belonging to Lady Anne Bentinck (1916-2008). Lady Anne was a dedicated horsewoman who still rode at 90 years of age, and this rocking horse was named after 'Donovan', the 6th Duke of Portland's favourite horse.

Visitors can also see ornate racing prizes such as an elaborate silver 'George and the Dragon' trophy, alongside unexpected and personal items. On display will be the hooves of legendary sire, St Simon's - gold plated and made into ink wells, alongside the 6th Duke's racing colours and paintings by renowned equestrian artists.

If you fancy a flutter with horse racing history, visit Runners and Riders: The Rise of Modern Horse Racing at The Harley Gallery, Welbeck, from 5 May to 2014. The Harley Gallery is on the A60 between Mansfield and Worksop, is free to enter and also has free parking.

The exhibition will be touring to the National Horse Racing Museum, Newmarket and will be the first exhibition in their newly refurbished H.L.F. funded building.

Beastly Machines are brought to life at The Harley Gallery

PRESS RELEASE
Beastly Machines are brought to life at The Harley Gallery
18 April - 10 June 2012

[right] Life cycle of a mosquito

Visit The Harley Gallery from 18 April to 10 June for a whole herd of arty animals made by acclaimed Derbyshire based sculptor Johnny White.

Johhny's artworks are humorous, imaginitive, irreverent and often very noisy! Pull handles, turn cranks and push buttons to discover what these automated animals have in store.

From wiggly fishes to a cycling mosquito and a thrush busily battling the rush hour, these sculptures will make you smile, wonder and maybe make you jump! This promises to be an unmissable exhibition that will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages.

Lovingly handmade in Johnny's workshop in Derbyshire, these playful animal automata are often crafted from found or salvaged junk. The exhibition also has a gaggle of games to play with - test how well you know your mythological creatures or unjumble the animals.

Visitors say:
"The Kinetic Sculptures are brilliant. The children really enjoyed them." - Janet Addlesec, Belton.
"The Johnny White exhibition is extremely inventive and amusing - great fun!" - Steve Mansfield, Fotherby.
"The Beastly Machines are amazing! Love the flying pig and the gnus in a canoe, canoodling." - Hannah Helen Rosenberg.

Beastly Machines by Johnny White is on show at The Harley Gallery from 18 April to 10 June, with free entry and free parking. Visit the Gallery and discover your wild side!

The Harley Gallery is on the Welbeck Estate, on the A60 between Mansfield and Worksop.

Beastly Machines is a touring exhibtion from 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Scunthorpe, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.