Neepsend not Kelham is an exhibition of paintings by Sheffield-based artist Paul Allender.
The artworks in the exhibition are inspired by Paul's childhood growing up in the area of Neepsend, just north-west of the city centre. And, quite fittingly, it's taking place at Neepsend music and arts institution Yellow Arch Studios.
In his own words:
"This exhibition of my paintings and drawings is in Neepsend, the place that formed me, and I’m showing work that reflects this fact. All of the works in this show have something to do with Neepsend, even those that look like they don’t. My family and me lived there from 1955 to 1966 at 52 Rutland Road. Then, the area was industrial with steel works all around us. The air was thick with smoke, the walls were black with soot and the surface of the River Don was covered in pools of purple, green and yellow oil. We could hear the sounds of drop hammers day and night. We had never heard of Kelham Island.
I didn’t know anything about art. The housing in Neepsend was demolished in 1966 as part of a slum clearance programme and we were rehoused on Parson Cross council estate. When I reached 16, I discovered art at my friend’s house. His dad was a painter. I was astounded by his paintings and this event changed everything for me. Two years later, me and the same friend went to Italy to view Renaissance art."
After studying art in Hull, Paul went on to study Politics and Sociology and spent two decades teaching in universities. He returned to Sheffield and to art in 2009, and now works from his studio on Parson Cross.
Exhibition open Wednesday–Sunday 10:30am–5:30pm.
Opening event
Friday 10 June, 5:30–10:30pm – free, all welcome
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