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Exhibitions Workshops Events April to June 2011

The Ropewalk â&#x20AC;˘ Barton upon Humber April - June 2011

welcome

hank you for all the positive feedback we have received for the first issue of the new Ropewalk Magazine, you have spurred us on to produce a second! Putting together a publication that encompasses all that we do at The Ropewalk is a lot harder than you might think. Starting with a blank page it soon becomes apparent that the difficult decision is going to be what to leave out.

Take my word for it nothing makes you feel more culturally fulfilled than five bank holiday opportunities to visit quality art exhibitions, four delicious puddings, three Chekhov shorts, two comedians from other parts of the world and a festival of the guitar Liz Bennet Managing Director

PS I know there are four Chekhov So ahead is the condensed version shorts on offer but I couldn’t of what is happening over the next think of anything for three. three months. If you need more of a Ropewalk fix why not have a look at the website or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Both Ropery Hall and Below: The Ropewalk have a presence on David Wallace in action at his workshop these media platforms and as long in Pateley Bridge as I don’t run out of things to say (something that’s never happened before) there will be updates on what we are up to and what’s new. All involved in the arts world at a regional or national level are bracing ourselves for Arts Council England announcements of funding reductions in the very near future. At The Ropewalk we put that to the back of our minds and indulge in a three month celebration of the arts with all that is uplifting in exhibitions, creative workshops film, music, theatre, comedy and even food (a staff table is already booked for the Pudding Club on 5th May)

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craft

Clearly beautiful

n this new edition of Ropewalk Magazine we take a look at contemporary glass featuring makers who are distinctly different. From their workshop in Pately Bridge duo Andrew Sanders and David Wallace work together to produce an interestingly diverse range of studio glass such as perfume bottles, vases, bowls, drinking glasses, candle sticks and paper weights all from recycled glass. Despite having worked together for such a long time, Andrew and David have managed to maintain their individual creative identities, finding personal inspiration in subjects as diverse as the landscape, architecture, the sea and even bubbles in the bath. Stuart Akroyd is one of the most accomplished contemporary glass-makers of his generation. With carefully controlled skills and precision Stuart is able to create individual pieces of glass which are defined through a dramatic use of colour and creative interpretation of natural forms. His work is exhibited extensively throughout the United Kingdom and worldwide

Dawn Bache came across lamp worked glass whilst doing an experimental glass course in Germany and immediately became fascinated with the process of making beads out of molten glass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My beads are like small palettes of colour and each one is different and yet within a piece of jewellery they relate as a whole. Glass beads can resemble sweets and I want my beads to appeal to the senses and awaken the instinct to taste. I have always been attracted to translucent and opaque materials and its potential to be evocative. In making glass jewellery I have the opportunity to continue exploring this fascination.â&#x20AC;?

April - June 2011

exhibitions

Things that make us tick

opewalk Studio Artist Michael Scrimshaw presents his second solo exhibition in the Artspace this spring. Some of you may remember his 2007 show “The Giant Sleeps” which featured a four metre high mechanical man with an animated arm so Michael certainly has something to live up to. In this new exhibition Michael uses the forms of sculpture, drawing and paint to explore the idea of “things that make us tick”. He explains that his new show will be about “things that I find interesting about what makes us tick. It is about the values, memories, experiences that we choose to carry with us, that we use to define who and how we are.” “Michael dislikes being pigeonholed as a sculptor or painter as he believes that there are no hard divides between disciplines and has found his works in various media inform each other,” said The Ropewalk’s Exhibition Officer

Richard Hatfield. “This is evident in his art, whether 2D or 3D which emphasises his own distinctive style.” Michael has exhibited widely in recent years including successful solo shows at East Coast School of Art and Design and Abbey Walk Gallery in Grimsby. He also featured in Abbey Walk’s ‘Out of the Dark’ exhibition in 2010 which included other works by artists such as Picasso, Dali, Hirst and Emmin. His work sells regularly, which is always a bitter sweet happening for Michael who puts so much into his art that it is always difficult for him to let go. Things that makes us tick opens on April 23 and continues until May 29,

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“through abstract meandering of tiny things noticed, impressions of shared moments of what makes us all who we are.

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In our Element

indum Textile Artists are a collective of contemporary designer/ makers who have a diversity of practice and approach. Established in 2000 in Lincolnshire and now drawn from a wide geographical area, the Lindum Textile Artists have an individual approach to art, drawing on their experiences, emotions and expertise, to create a range of visually exciting and stimulating textile art. In our element is a new collection of member’s work showing their broad range of textile media. The show opens in Gallery One on April 30 and continues until June 5.

Humber to The Wash This June both Ropewalk galleries will be devoted to our open art completion, Humber to The Wash. The biennial show draws artists from the region ranging from Bridlington in the north to the southerly depths of deepest Norfolk. The two guest selectors who have the unenviable task of deciding which works to include are both practising artists: Hilary Angle who is based in Pocklington and Scunthorpe painter and tutor Letitia Thompson. There are a number of prizes on offer including the Selector’s Prize of £400 and three runner-up awards of £100 each donated by our sponsors, Grimsby Institute, The Proudfoot Group and Cooke Webster & Co. The show runs throughout the summer from June 18 to September 4. Artists wishing to exhibit can download entry details from our website www.the-ropewalk.co.uk

April - June 2011

workshops

he Ropewalk run a number of one day and regular classes so whether you are interested in developing your skills over a number of weeks and months or just want a taster day to learn a new technique we have something for you. Full details of all the classes are available on our website or in person at the craft gallery reception desk.

to work with glass for the first time or to build on previous experience. On April 30th Gill will be leading her ever popular glass light catcher workshop where participants use a variety of coloured glasses, wire, solder, beads & other objects to design & create a unique glass artwork. Participants will be introduced This quarter we have two glass to the basic techniques needed workshops led by one of The Ropeto achieve a beautiful & original walk’s studio artists Gill Hobson. finished piece, including glass Gill has an impressive CV with inter- cutting, copper foiling, soldering, national shows and commissions as patination and finishing. Following well as works in private and public that on May 14 Gill will be leading collections in the UK. Gill’s signature a coloured glass lantern class glass works feature richly intricate which will guide the participants combinations of hand-blown crystal to make a 3D glass lantern using glass elements with complex metal constructed glass techniques. A work. Detail, colour and light development of Gill’s ever popular are key aspects of each work. “Glass Light catchers” workshops, this is an opportunity to extend Gill leads accessible workshops skills and create an original piece allowing beginners an opportunity that is both useful and beautiful.

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Tutored Life Class with Richard

Hatfield £25/£22 10.30am – 3.30pm

April 10, May 22

The Ropewalk Print Group with

Tim Needham Wednesdays 1.30pm – 4.30pm £47/42 for 5 sessions

Technician Supported Print Sessions with Angela Lindsley Tuesdays 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Patchwork Group

Saturday May 7 Explore Devoré Techniques with Dionne Swift 10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

Saturday May 14 Coloured Glass Lanterns with Gill

Hobson 10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

Saturday May 21 Precious Metal Clay with Alex

Hallowes 10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

Tuesday afternoon April 13 – June 22. Cost: £4 per session or £40 per term.

Saturday May 28 Embroidered Star Books with Mandy

Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June Large Scale Steel Plate Etching

with Jane White 10am - 4pm Second Thursday in the month Cost: £35 per session, or £30 each when booking a block of three.

Saturday April 2 Textile Printing with Dionne Swift 10.30am – 4.30pm £34 / £30*

Keating 10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

with Christopher Roantree 10.30am – 4.30pm (3.30pm Sunday) £68/£60*

Saturday June 18 Introduction to Raku with John

Wheeldon 10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

Saturday June 25 Saturday April 9 Introduction to Collagraphs Rib/Frame Baskets with Alison Walling with Angela Lindsley 10.30am 10.30am – 4.30pm £34 / £30*

– 4.30pm £34 / £30*

Saturday 30th April Glass Light Catchers with Gill Hobson

For full details of the above workshops visit www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/workshops

10.30am – 4.30pm £34/£30*

Additional Information Lunch is not included in the cost of our workshops, however our licensed Ropery coffee shop offers a delicious range of daily specials and home made cakes and refreshments. Lunch orders will be taken at the start of the day or alternatively you may bring a packed lunch. *Reduced rates for classes are for Ropewalk members only. If you wish to become a member please ask for details at the Gallery. All classes / workshops must be booked and paid for in full in advance. Payments will not be refunded if a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to the workshop / class. Cancellations made before this 14-day period will be due a refund less a £5 booking fee. If you have any special access or equipment needs please let us know so that we can make any necessary arrangements to accommodate this.

April - June 2011

comedy

his Spring Ropery Hall welcomes the return of two of comedy’s rising stars with an international flavour. Both Patrick and Henning were hits with the audience and backstage with the Ropery Hall staff.

atrick Monahan is an irrepressible comic with a mischievous glint in his eye and an infectious personality that quickly wins over any audience. He is a young man with a future who is equally at home performing in front of children as well as a more adult crowd; in fact I don’t think he needs much encouragement to perform anywhere. A mixed parentage of an Irish father and Iranian mother combined with a Middlesbrough upbringing provides an untouched rich seam of comedy – titles of previous tours include ‘Cowboys and Iranians’ and ‘I Walked I Danced Iran’ - Patrick has been known to show off his Iranian dancing skills. He also has the ability to follow quite random threads of audience led banter and manage to keep it funny and above all entertaining. His face has started to appear on television screens with appearances on the Paul O’Grady Show and CBBC’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice and was a regular warm up for Jonathan Ross, following in the footsteps of that other Barton favourite Alan Carr (whatever happened to him?). I am sure that this is only the beginning and we will all see a lot more of Patrick Monahan.

Ropewalk

“a one man ethnic melting pot, a star in the making” Daily Telegraph “Omid Djalili meets Dave Allen” Daily Mail

Pat Monahan plays Ropery Hall on May 14 with support from Alan Seaman

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any of you may have already come across Henning Wehn on Radio 4 as a regular guest panellist on ‘Unbelievable truth’, News Quiz and ‘Now Show’. Or some of you may have seen his previous performance at Ropery Hall alongside the funniest man from Dusseldorf, Otto Kuhnle with their German Christmas Do. But the self-proclaimed German Comedy Ambassador is back and this time he is doing what he does best in his own stand-up UK tour with the intriguingly titled ‘My Struggle’. “It’s about the right old struggle that is life as the German Comedy Ambassador”, says Henning. Suffice to say that his act plays upon the cultural stereotypes and differ-

ences between our two countries and the status of the “German sense of humour” “It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it? Either audiences enjoy what I do, or the stereotype has been confirmed.” Henning Wehn knows how to press the buttons and touch the nerves of his English audiences with subjects that include World War II, (‘Allo ‘Allo anyone?), football (three world cups and a pope) and an insight into English politics and way of life. His comedy is fearless, entering into areas of comedy that only he can get away with and ably demonstrates that he can push his material to the limit and still keep the audience on side. Henning Wehn plays Ropery Hall on May 19.

April - June 2011

film

Not to be missed

f you thought the Winter season of films at Ropery Hall came to an end at the end of March then there is good news!

Colin Firth has been lauded for his portrayal of the King with many awards and watching the film it is not hard to discover why.

The Barton Film Group has extended The Black Swan, which is to be its film season at intermittent screened on May 26, has received intervals until the beginning of June. widespread acclaim and leading lady Natalie Portman won an The film that everyone is talking Oscar for her performance. Based about, the Oscar and BAFTA on the story of Swan Lake, Black winning film, The King’s Speech will Swan is a mesmeric and absorbing be screened on Thursday, May 12. drama set against the competitive backdrop of a top ballet company Based on the true story of how the that veers between being disKing, George VI, sought help to turbing and enchanting. cure his stammer the film is neither triumphalist nor sentimental. Its The film is complex, dark, exhilathemes are courage, responsibilrating and vibrant, with director ity, and the necessity to place Darren Aronofsky (who also duty above personal pleasure. made The Wrestler) creating a

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vibrant, often intoxicating drama rich in music, mood and menace. Black Swan is a powerfully potent psychological drama. Two additional films are aimed at the younger film goers. On Thursday April 21 Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) is being screened at 2.30pm while on Thursday June 1 Harry Potter fans will be delighted to note that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (12) has two screenings at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

Barton Film Group would like to thank everyone who has attended the programme so far this year. Our audience has grown sufficiently to make the film showings viable allowing us to continue. We hope you enjoy these few extras before the summer break and look forward to welcoming you again in the autumn when we will be bringing the best of 2011 releases and some classic oldies. As always if you have

a desire to see a film let us know and we will try and include it, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to True Grit, my autumn pick. Pete Mitchell Chair, Barton Film Group film@the-ropewalk.co.uk.

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theatre

chekhov’s Shorts

“

European Arts Company’s production of ‘Chekhov’s Shorts’ is fast paced, witty and engaging. Richard Latham, Daniel Harcourt and Jennifer Bryden complement each other well and are all so versatile that it is hard to believe there are only three of them. The Stage European Arts Company has really done a fantastic job of bringing out all the humour and energy whilst at the same time reflecting all the drama and classic beauty which is synonymous with Chekhov. This made for a wonderful performance which would delight any Chekhov afficionado, as well as those out for a good laugh with some raucous vaudeville entertainment to boot. Local Secrets

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f you thought Chekhov was all doom and gloom – think again!

And on Wednesday, May 18, actors from the European Arts Company will prove that Chekhov did have a sense of humour when they present five short pieces the Russian playwright wrote before the full length plays we are all familiar with. The quite delightful The Evils of Tobacco, The Dimwit, The Bear, Swansong and The Proposal combine all of the tragi-comic elements of Chekhov’s longer plays with the silliness of a sketch show. If you’ve ever thought Chekhov was too dull, miserable and Russian to endure, come and see this hilariously bittersweet evening and we’re sure you’ll think again.

Chekhov is the second most popular playwright in the world after Shakespeare and is on the national curriculum for GCSE and A Level Drama so the evening will also appeal to young people and schools, as well as the general public. In fact, this show has been described as “a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Chekhov.” This is Chekhov at his comic best, before Uncle Vanya started shooting, The Seagull got stuffed, The Three Sisters started moaning and The Cherry Orchard was “car-parked!” Tickets cost £8 in advance and £10 on the door.

Magical, Mysterious Easter Holiday Theatre Event with Duck Egg Theatre Monday 18th – Wednesday 20th April 10am - 3pm Ropery Hall, The Ropewalk Thursday 21st 10am – 2pm performance at 1pm Ropery Hall, The Ropewalk Spend a magical, mysterious Easter holiday with Duck Egg Theatre creating a brand new play based on The Spiderwick Chronicles! Over four days you will work with professional theatre coaches to become goblins, elves, dragons and fairies telling a story written by you. Suitable for young people aged 7 – 16 yrs. Cost: £20

April - June 2011 13

Music

Ropewalk Guitar Festival

heer indulgence, three nights and one afternoon of total guitar! Musical director for the festival Mark Keable has been in his element selecting the acts for this the first Guitar Festival at Ropery Hall but he’s managed to whittle it down to nine acts and Liz has thrown in a Jazz great as the opener. Martin Taylor, guitar virtuoso of international importance, opens the festival. Steve Tilston has been described as, an artist of “stylistic versatility and consummate musicality,” “a complete guitarist,” “a singer songwriter of rare talent” and “absurdly accomplished.”

Dave Swarbrick teamed up with Martin Carthy in 1966 and together they played an important part in the blossoming British folk music scene. In 1969 after playing on the ground-breaking Liege & Leif album Dave was invited to join Fairport Convention full time. Dave stayed with Fairport for 15 years and his contribution to Folk and Rock music is legendary and well documented. Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartley have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America since the early 1990s. Known for their soul stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and a love of the craic, Chris (concertina) and Denny (vocal and Guitar) ensure that no two concerts are ever the same. Steve Skaith Band. Steve was the singer and co-writer of the band Latin Quarter, best known for the 80s hit single –‘Radio Africa’ and their collaboration with the Zimbabwean group, the Bhundu Boys in the 90‘s. In 1999 after six albums, the band finally split up and Steve went to live in Mexico where he met and formed the Steve Skaith Band with Mexican musicians. Since returning to the UK in 2007, Steve has been playing with British musicians.

Marcus Bonfanto

Paul Liddell is already somewhat a veteran of the acoustic music world, having released two solo albums and an EP, and an EP with his band ‘Delphians’. Paul is an experienced live performer his raw and unpretentious delivery combined with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine.

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Chatell Macgregor

craft Marcus Bonfanto Trio, Marcus is a blues artist whose roadhardened song writing, eviscerating vocal delivery and flick-knife guitar stylings has led to several British Blues Award nominations.

rare opportunity to see this outstanding performer as a solo artist.

EZIO is about deep, honest, emotional songs that hit a raw nerve. Its two lead guitarists in one band, Ezio Lunedei and Mark “Booga” Walter Strauss Blame it on Fowell together form a perfect unit Rawlins, Wyoming. Fingerstyle with breathtaking live performances guitar wizard Walter Strauss was to which you will get addicted born out there in the big open, and after the first gig you’ve been to. was seduced to look to the vast spaces of the American West for Ropery Coffee Shop will be open his musical inspiration. He masuntil 7.30pm on Saturday 4 June terfully weaves threads of world for those who are staying all day music, American roots, and jazz or arriving early for the evening into a brand uniquely his own. session. Watch out for sessions in the coffee shop between perChantell MacGregor Chantell formances, details in the festival achieved a First Class Honours leaflet available in June. degree in Popular Music in July 2009 from Leeds and formed rock blues trio, the Chantel McGregor Band This will be a

Festival Line up Thursday 8pm - 10.30pm Martin Taylor

£15

Friday 7.30pm - 11.30pm Steve Tilston Dave Swarbrick Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartley

£20

Saturday Afternoon 2pm - 5.30pm Steve Skaith Band Paul Liddell Marcus Bonfanti Band

£18

Saturday Evening 7.30pm - 11.30pm Walter Strauss Chantel McGregor Ezio

£20

Ticket Offers:

ALL DAY SAT-£35 FRI & SAT- £55

Martin Taylor

April - June 2011 15

music

Live music @ Ropery Hall

couldn’t decide whether to put him on the comedy page or the music one. Vin has been to Barton several times in the past 15 years and whilst the jokes remain egular attendees of Ropery the same his music Hall often ask “how do you still feels relevant find all of these diverse deeply rooted performers?” The answer is simple as it is in the folk Mark Keable and I love music and tradition. Tickets will delight in finding performers that sell out quickly for are new to the venue as well as inviting back our favourites. A rough this gig, don’t miss rule of thumb is that Mark takes care out on a folk legend who doesn’t take of the Folk, Americana and guitarists (more of that on page 14) whilst himself too seriously. I look at Jazz, World, the quirky and Two great song anything else that takes my fancy! writers from across the pond are paid April to June sees another programme of top drawer perform- tribute to in late May with Canadian ers, pick out old favourites or try Leonard Cohen’s something new. All we ask is that work brought to life you support live performance. My highlights are not so easy to choose, by Keith James and a couple of it all looks good to me! Amy Wadge days after his 70th birthday Blond on Bob make a first appearance at and Pete Riley together are getting a great deal of critical acclaim. Clive Ropery Hall with the life and works of the great Gregson is a singer songwriter American songwho can bring the everyday to life writer Bob Dylan. with his guitar. And Snake Davis

returns with a new band line-up, playing two consecutive nights on Friday April 1st and Saturday 2nd.

From New York the WIYOS make their second visit. The first time they came Mark described them to me with difficulty and just told me I would like them. He was right and having seen them I am also unable to adequately convey their style except to say their eclectic mix of instruments and references leaves you smiling and wanting more. Imagine ‘Is you is or is you aint my baby’ sung through a megaphone and you are on your way to prohibition speakeasy America with a contemporary twist. When writing about Vin Garbutt I

Finally Carol Kidd, a lady whose voice has been praised by everyone who matters from Frank Sinatra to the late Sir Humphrey Lyttelton will give an intimate performance. Back after a break from live performance this Scottish born jazz diva winner of no less than four British Jazz vocalist of the year awards is a must see for anyone who likes their jazz full of emotion with a seemingly effortless smooth delivery. Enjoy! Liz

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