Fancy a trip out of Manchester, with some world-class art on the side? Look no further than our guide to the best exhibitions, all within a two hour (ish) drive of Manchester city centre.
1. Disobedient Bodies: JW Anderson curates the Hepworth Wakefield
This group show explores the artistic interpretation of the human body in art and fashion over the last 100 years (or thereabouts). Figurative works, sculpture and fashion by Jean Arp, Lynn Chadwick, Barbara Hepworth, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and more have been selected by London-based designer Jonathan Anderson in the gallery’s most critically acclaimed exhibition to date.
Sat 18 Mar- Sun 18 Jun, The Hepworth, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW. Tel: 01924 247360, times vary, FREE, www.hepworthwakefield.org
2. House Style: Five centuries of fashion and adornment at Chatsworth House
We never need an excuse to visit this glorious stately home in the Peak District – but this wide-ranging fashion exhibition is compelling reason. Curator is Hamish Bowles, International Editor-at-Large for American Vogue and the show includes items from the wardrobes of 16th century icon, Bess of Hardwick, the sister and dance partner of Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire and model Stella Tennant among others. Entry is free with a visit to the house – but the gardens, which include waterfalls and contemporary sculptural works are breathtaking too. There’s a children’s farm and excellent adventure playground, while June sees the world premiere of the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show.
House Style: Sat 25 Mar – Sun 22 Oct, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1PP. Tel: 01246 565300, www.chatsworth.org. RHS Chatworth Flower Show: Wed 7-11 Jun, times and prices vary, www.rhs.org.uk
3. The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945 at the Barbican (pictured)
It’s only 2 hours (and 7 minutes) from Manchester on the train – and who can resist the chance to see 40 of the most incredible and experimental houses built in Japan over the last 75 years, including a specially commissioned tea house by Terunobu Fujimori inside this Brutalist gallery in the heart of London? At the exhibition’s heart is a full-sized recreation of Moriyama House by Ryue Nishizawa who won the Pritzker prize. Be inspired and envious in equal measure.
Thu 23 Mar – Sun 25 Jun, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Tel: 020 7638 4141, times & prices vary, www.barbican.org.uk
4. Various events: Hull City of Culture 2017
There’s loads happening in Hull in 2017. This weekend includes a free festival of live and media art called Rerooted, featuring new and existing work by more than 25 artists, including Alexandre Burton and Alastair MacLennan but the website is full of ideas, including weekly highlghts and listings.
Rerooted: Fri 24-Sun 26 Mar, Humber Street Gallery, 64 Humber Street, HU1 1TU. Tel: 01482 323484, times vary, FREE, www.hull2017.co.uk
Hull City of Culture: Until Sun 31 Dec, www.hull2017.co.uk
5. Martin Creed at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston
Our art writer, Fran Blythe, recommends a visit to the Harris Museum and Art Gallery to see the fun and though provoking Martin Creed retrospective. Read more: www.manchesterwire.co.uk
Until Sat 3 Jun, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP. Tel: 01772 258248, Mon 11am until 5pm, Tue to Sat 10am until 5pm, Sun 11am until 4pm, closed on bank holidays, FREE, www.harrismuseum.org.uk
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Sat 16 Dec 2017
