Artworks aim to inspire Liverpool students

Jun 29 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Artworks aim to inspire students

THE instantly recognisable work of artist Tony Brown is part of a new exhibition inspiring Merseyside schoolchildren.

The artist has allowed work to go on show which he insists he would never normally display in public, to give the pupils at Merchant Taylors’ girls school an insight into his creative career.

Archbishop Patrick Kelly was on hand last week to launch the private exhibition in the school’s new gallery and reception area.

In another first, Mr Brown has written short statements to explain his work, something he says he never usually does when exhibiting.

He said: “I think it is a fantastic space and a wonderful venue – it’s a great opportunity.

“It is a tremendous boost to have work shown here, it is a big space and there’s a chance to educate the children – I only wish my school had been like Merchant Taylors’.

“I wanted to get across to them the idea that art is not about painting the same picture over and over again for the rest of your life, but developing ideas.”

The exhibition, titled A Life in Art – Selected Works 1989 - 2009, features 25 pieces spanning the last 20 years of the artist’s career, including several of his popular 100 Heads Thinking as One project – one hundred collage portraits of the region’s great and good – and abstract paintings and drawings.

And there’s a coincidental link.