100 Heads exhibition realises a dream for local artist

Aug 8 2007 by Philip Key, Liverpool Daily Post

Anthony Brown's 100 Heads Thinking as One exhibition held at St George's Hall. Artist Anthony Brown overlooking the exhibition. Picture: Andrew Teebay _320

MERSEYSIDE artist Anthony Brown finally had his dream realised last night as his huge exhibition 100 Heads Thinking As One opened at St George’s Hall.

Brown has spent months painting the people of Liverpool, from bishops and politicians to entertainers and medics. His unusual technique has been to include in his portraits private documents from his sitters, such as school reports, family photographs and news clippings.

Each portrait has been a complete history of the subject, the face – or “head” – expertly executed, but given added interest with the personal records.

He wanted to capture Liverpool people from all areas, so there are well-known people like Ken Dodd and Brookside’s Dean Sullivan alongside GPs and businessmen and women.

The portraits will be shown at the hall until August 20, open daily with free admission.

When the exhibition finally closes, those featured will be able to buy their own portraits – the price is £2,000 – and the rest will go into local archives.