Celebration of an artist who’s one of our own

INFLUENCED A LIFETIME’S WORK

In 1989, Blackburn returned to live in Huddersfield. He said at the time: “It’s what I know – the hills and valleys, the history, the mix of urban and rural, old and new: the sheer texture of the place.”

In the late 1990s, Blackburn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but he continued to create works in the studio of his terraced house, and exhibited his work internationally until 2008.

Blackburn was also remembered as a mentor. He nurtured and encouraged a number of young local artists including the painter Maxwell Doig, who has selected the artworks for this exhibition.

Doig said: “On show are works from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, from early chalk drawings like Three Studies for an Apocalypse (1967), through to works such as Blue Forest - New South Wales (1995).

“Perhaps most striking, looking at all the works together, is an intensity which is consistent throughout. Through this intense colour and light there is a sense of joy and wonder which is reminiscent of the glow of a Samuel Palmer drawing or an early Graham Sutherland etching.

“Both artists were part of the English visionary romantic landscape tradition to which David’s work belongs.”

Kirklees Council Cabinet member Graham Turner said: “Kirklees has a fantastic and diverse cultural offer, with so much to experience across our towns and villages.

“It’s even more exciting to see one of our very own celebrated for his amazing achievements in the art world and the impact his work had on others. It’s important we celebrate the creative talent that comes from Kirklees and I urge everyone to come along and see this exciting exhibition for yourself.”

The exhibition is presented in association with Messum’s, London.