A new exhibition at Stockroom will celebrate the life and work of Stockport-born artist Alan Boyson (1930 - 9 August 2018).

Alan, who was born in Marple, is perhaps most famous for sculpting Merseyway's geometric exterior screens.

His other works include The Tree of Knowledge in Salford, Three Ships in Hull, decorative works at The Church of the Epiphany and St John, and much more.

He was also a teacher at Wolverhampton College of Art and an Associate of the Royal College of Art.

The exhibition will run at Stockroom from Thursday 18 June.

Dubbed 'The Marvel from Marple', it invites residents to rediscover the work of a local artist whose bold designs are visible across Britain.

It will feature hands-on activities as well as extensive research and detail about Alan's life, and aims to off the chance "to celebrate a homegrown creative talent and see one of Stockport's most familiar landmarks in a whole new way".

Also on display will be some of Boyson's works loaned from private collections, plus ceramics, printed tiles, photographs, and more.

Alan Boyson pictured on National Service in 1948 (Image - SMBC)

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The exhibition will be led by artist Esther Johnson, who has been researching Boyson's work since 2017 for her Ships in the Sky project.

Through this research, she has collected a range of items specifically connected to Boyson's work in her hometown of Hull.

Cllr Dan Oliver, cabinet member for culture, said: "Alan Boyson's work is part of the fabric of Stockport, even if people don't always realise it.

"This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore the creativity that surrounds us, enjoy hands-on activities, and discover the stories behind one of our town's most iconic landmarks.

"Stockroom provides a welcoming and vibrant space to get inspired, learn something new, and connect with friends, family, and the wider community. Whether you're an art lover or just curious, there's something here for everyone to enjoy."

Artist Esther Johnson, said: "Growing up in Hull, gazing up at the scale and beauty of Alan Boyson's Three Ships mural played a formative role in shaping my enthusiasm for mid-century design and my desire to study art.

"When I began researching Boyson's work in 2017, I was particularly struck by the monumental concrete screens of Merseyway and his sophisticated use of modular abstraction and repetition.

"Both Three Ships and the Merseyway screens are deeply woven into the fabric of their respective civic centres, being symbols of geographical and historical local identity that embody the co-operative principle of uniting communities through art.

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"I'm delighted that The Marvel from Marple will be the first exhibition to survey Boyson's work, and I hope it inspires a renewed and lasting appreciation of his remarkable talent."

The exhibition is funded by the Henry Moore Foundation and developed in partnership with Stockport Council and Sheffield Hallam University, where Esther Johnson is Professor of Film and Media Arts in the Art, Design and Media Research Centre.

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