Dickens Gallery plays host to new exhibitions

Jun 30 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Dickens Gallery – set in the bowels of Liverpool's St George's Hall, and adjoining the cells that were used when the city's courts operated at the hall – is the latest exhib- ition space to open in the city.

A further two new art galleries are scheduled to open in the Grade I listed neo-classical masterpiece, during the city's 2008 celebrations.

All three will complement the World Heritage – Your Heritage exhibition room, which opened in April, 2007, after the hall's £23m restoration, and recently hosted Sikhs in Print by the acclaimed Singh Twins.

The first exhibition at the Dickens Gallery will be from Magnified Art called an Eye For Colour, which has been produced by visually impaired artists and runs until July 26.

The gallery's name aimed to reflect Liverpool's connections with Charles Dickens, who regularly gave readings in the hall's Concert Room.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council and deputy chairman of the Culture Company, said: ''Liverpool is fortunate to have St George's Hall, it is an amazing asset and has a huge role to play in the city's cultural life. It is important we continue to develop its potential as a venue for both show piece events and as a platform to showcase the creativity of our communities.

“These galleries are a fantastic addition and will add a new dimension to the hall's contemporary offer and strengthen the experience for visitors.''

St George's Hall, which recently won a Civic Trust Award, is in the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards 2008 – one of only 10 projects in the Best Heritage Project category.

The hall has also hosted major 08 events including the official opening, Emilia Di Liverpool opera, Ken Dodd's tribute to the city's laughter legends, the Viennese Balls and the Roscoe Lecture series.