Walls Are Talking

This fantastic exhibition at the Whitworth Gallery is on from 6th Feb to 30th Aug 10. It has wallpaper designs from over 30 artists including Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. The art represents four themes , sexuality, imprisonment, subversion and commodification ( i know , is there even such a word!) .Don't let that put you off this is well worth a visit , lots of inspirational ideas and some truly amazing techniques. Catherine Bertola who was commissioned for this exhibition created her exquisite piece with ash from her fire hearth you have to see it to believe it !

Beyond The Looking Glass 2010 by Catherine Bertola

This wallpaper by De Angelis and Garner is called Head Jam from 2008 i like it because the head belongs to Leigh Bowery who was a walking work of art !

Whitworth Gallery ,Manchester

The Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester.It houses some of the UK's finest collections of art and design both historical and contemporary. It is a beautiful grand old building with ten galleries, a shop,cafe and lecture theatre which seats 215 people and can be hired out.The galleries are also available to hire for social events and parties.Some of the galleries are dark with no natural light in order to protect the historical textiles from damage, this can feel slightly oppressive and i personally feel more at home in the larger , lighter spaces.The gallery staff are well qualified to advise and assist and the exhibits are well displayed and thoughtfully put together.

At present one gallery houses The Manchester Indian-Thomas Wardle and India

This exhibition displays fabrics and silks from India which were printed and dyed by Thomas Wardles company in leek in the 1870's.He is famous for his collaboration with William Morris in the use of vegetable dyes on fabrics and also for his efforts to reinvigorate the Indian silk industry.This display of textiles helps to demonstrate the influence of Indian design in Britain during the Arts and Crafts period.

Another of the galleries has a display off wallcoverings called Putting On The Glitz-wallpapers and wallcoverings with that little extra something.

This diaplay includes luxorious 18th century examples along side contempary designs all with an element of glamour and glitz.

Whitworth Art Gallery

Oxford Road

Manchester

m15 6er

T-0161 275 7450

www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/

admission free

Opening hours Mon-Sat-10am-5pm Sun-12pm-4pm