Artists take us on journey
from Burma to Hebden

From internationally celebrated artist Paula Rego to homegrown talent Ben Manser, art spans the world in nine exhibitions being staged during the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

In Forgotten Friends from Burma, artist and photographer Ben Manser, who is studying in Bradford, has produced a bold portfolio of potent images. Of mixed English and Burmese parentage, Ben spent nine months on a volunteering placement, where he uncovered stories of extreme poverty but continuous hope.

“I was interested in working collaboratively with these repressed people and in acting as a bridge for them to the outside world,” says Ben.

His exhibition runs from June 16 to 23 in the Festival Shop, Albert Street in Hebden Bridge, alongside Six of the Best, an exhibition of the art of wood engraving.

The Society of Wood Engravers was founded in 1920 by a group of artists that included Robert Gibbings, Gwen Raverat and Eric Gill. This exhibition showcases six contrasting wood engravers, all working at the top of their field. The limited editions are for sale, priced from £40.

Walkers and photographers from the area have been busy capturing the town’s unique stone steps. The result – Walkers Welcome – Stepping Out Photographic Mosaic – will be on view from July 21 to July 29 in the Festival shop.

During the exhibition, members of Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action will be on hand to tell more about the location of the steps as well as other walking initiatives around the district.

At the Calder Gallery in Market Street, Hebden Bridge, paintings by Kate Boyce celebrate the uniqueness of the town and surrounding landscapes in a distinctive way. Her exhibition runs from June 23 to July 15.

There are also prints by Lou Crosby on show in AJ’s fish and chip restaurant from June 23 to July 19, and an arts and craft exhibition by Northlight Art Studio members on June 30 and July 1 at the studios in Valley Road.

Ros Bryant presents Perpetual Dialogue – of Sea and Sky at the Organic Shop and Café, Market Street from June 30 to September 30.

Prints from Sheila Tilmouth’s residency at Low Lucken’s Farm are a visual response to the farming year, depicting activities through the changing seasons. Farming at Eye Level, at Linden Mill, is open on June 30 and July 1, 7 and 8.