Alison Burrows -Post MACFA

Hi All,

It’s been a while since I posted anything here.

My excuse is that I took part in a project in Macerata, Italy in April. The idea was to construct portable frescos in order to decorate the deconsecrated church which is annexed to the Academy of Belle Arte in Macerata.

Making the frescos was hard work and more suited to skilled plasterers, as the surface necessary for painting a fresco ought to be smooth. We had plenty of help, though, from our international colleagues, to whom we are very grateful.

Apart from being out of the country for a fortnight, I’ve been busy scouring the vacancies, as well as putting together my proposal to do a performance in a high street store for charity. This is now complete and today I showed the proposal to a staff member, who said it was fine and that I should submit it by post.

Another development has been in the area of employment. My little voluntary post has taken on a new twist. Instead of displaying images in ten A1 frames, I now have 30 to play with! plus it’s a paid job, did I mention that before?

In collaboration with Salford Museum and Art Gallery I have recently exhibited my late husband’s paintings around the theme of everyday objects.  The title of the exhibition is “Out of the Ordinary” and the artist is Colin Rodney Burrows.

The following is the press release:

Colin Rodney Burrows lived and worked in Salford for most of his career as a lecturer at the University of Salford’s Art & Design department. Shortly after joining the University Colin had a solo exhibition here at the gallery, so 40 years later it is fitting to have a posthumous exhibition.

The main theme of this exhibition is Colin’s fascination with the ordinary and his attempt to elevate it in importance with his paintings and photography, by focusing on various elements such as increasing the scale, using everyday objects as the prime subject of a painting, incorporating household objects into a family portrait and, on occasion, being playful with the titles.

Shown alongside written memories of Colin, there will be artwork by ex-colleagues, former students and his son, Robert. This exhibition celebrates seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary with plenty of opportunities to have a go for all ages.

To compliment the exhibition, Colin’s widow and son, who are both artists in their own right, will be in the gallery every Tuesday and Friday throughout August and September doing painting and drawing demonstrations, with a chance to have a go at drawing yourself! View the event via our what’s on for further information and dates.

‘Out of the Ordinary’ will be showing in the Langworthy Gallery at Salford Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 1 November 2015.
Contact for further information, images, quotes etc:
Kellie Brown, Marketing Officer, 0161 778 0819, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
Amy Goodwin, Exhibitions Officer, 0161 778 0883, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
Notes for the editor:
Salford Museum and Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions together with a range of events and activities guaranteed to inspire.