Exclusive Graham Ibbeson exhibition arrives at The Glass Works

Opening in The Gallery @TheGlassworks is an exclusive new Graham Ibbeson exhibition showcasing iconic sculptures, created by the Barnsley born artist.

Casting Characters: The worlds of Graham Ibbeson is free to enter and runs from Saturday, 26 March until Sunday, 31 July.

The display includes moulds of well-loved performers, which later become bronze statues, in their raw state using a fibreglass technique, part of the sculpting process.

Inspired by Graham’s workshop, figures include celebrated performers such as Eric Morecambe; Benny Hill; Laurel & Hardy and for the very first time Grahams latest sculpture of Ken Dodd with Diddyman, Dickie Mint, on display by kind special permission from Lady Dodd.

People can get involved on their visits to the exhibition by striking the famous poses of the characters and sharing them on the Barnsley Museums social media channels.

The exhibition kick starts the ‘Graham Ibbeson Summer Season’ which people can experience right throughout spring and summer. As well as Casting Characters the ‘Summer Season’ includes High Noon to Midnight, Drawings by Graham Ibbeson, Words by Paul Thwaites hosted at the Cooper Gallery from Saturday, 16 July until Saturday, 3 September, a limited edition publication, and a brand-new public art trail featuring much of the artist’s work in Barnsley.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) said: “Graham’s work is featured in locations across the globe and celebrates well-loved characters from entertainment and sport as well as capturing monumental moments in history. We are incredibly proud to have an artist of his calibre from Barnsley, putting our borough on the world map, and his new exhibition is a real treat for fans of art, sculpture and design.”

To find out more visit www.cooper-gallery.com