Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, in partnerships with Blott Art Gallery and the Friends of the Grand, has commissioned local photographic artist Douglas Stuart to produce an innovative exhibition, charting 12 months in the working life of the resort’s beautiful Grade II listed Victorian theatre.
A Grand Old Lady – A year in pictures will make its dazzling debut on Heritage Open Day (Sunday 13th September from 10am to 4.30pm) on the theatre’s famous raked stage. Limited edition prints and a picture book of the amazing canvases will be available for sale on the day.
Visitors to Blackpool’s Grand on Heritage Open Day will also enjoy fascinating and informative theatre tours, an opportunity to browse the theatre’s amazing archive material, join in with fun colouring activities for the family and have a chance to meet the theatre’s cheeky children’s mascot Matcham Monkey. And it’s all free!
Douglas Stuart has been shooting behind the scenes as the Grand’s Artist in Residence in his unique award-winning style at the theatre over the past year; taking pictures of patrons and volunteers, stars and scenery and of course the renowned ‘get-in’ where sets are built and the finest sound created – an area patrons never get to see.
The residency has been generously supported by the Friends of the Grand and culminates in the exciting exhibition at the theatre on Heritage Open Day. The exhibition will then move to the theatre’s Lawrence House Studio before transferring to Blott Artists Studio on King Street, Blackpool.
Douglas said: “I have hopefully captured the true essence of a working theatre through my time as Artist in Residence at the Grand. The theatre is a captivating subject and I wish to challenge people’s perceptions of it.”
Grand Theatre General Manager, Neil Thomson, said: “Heritage Open Day at the Grand is an excellent opportunity for all the family to enjoy the theatre’s beautiful interior while learning some of its inner workings and fascinating history all in a free fun day out.
“Douglas is an amazing local talent who trained right here at Blackpool and The Fylde College. This is a very exciting creative opportunity for the theatre and we are extremely grateful to the Friends of the Grand for their commitment to the artistic development of the Grand as well as their continuing support of the fabric of the theatre.” -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
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