Sunday 3 February 2013

Gilty Pleasures opens at AEG


Friday evening saw the opening of the first art show of the New Year ... Gilty Pleasures - a bigger and better version of last year's triumphant Hidden Treasures salon hang.

The largest display of the Alfred East Gallery's Permanent Collection.

The new exhibition embraces all the galleries and displays nearly 400 works from the collection, celebrating diversity in a kaleidoscope of art spreading over every wall.

(John Wilson contributes a few words on behalf of the Friends of the Gallery)

This is an ideal occasion - hopefully annual, now - to get an impression of what is in the town's extensive collection ... so, especially if you missed Hidden Treasures, make sure you call in and have a look around.  Entry is free, and you may well feel you want to come again, there is so much to take in.

Friday's preview was warmly introduced by Gallery Officer, Katie Boyce, Deputy Mayor, Keli Watts, and Chairman of the Friends, John Wilson.   2013 is a big year for Kettering's Alfred East Gallery ...  marking the centenaries both of the opening of the Gallery and the passing of Sir Alfred East whose great idea the project was.

Another first, the opening saw the launch of the first comprehensive guide to the collection - currently available in a limited edition anniversary cover.  192 fully illustrated pages including catalogue details with biographical essays covering the major artists at the heart of the collection and the story of the gallery and exhibits.

 
Collecting so much knowledge in such an accessible single volume format is a great achievement made possible both by generous support from the Friends, KDAS, Alfred East's family as well and the editorial effort of the Gallery Officer and her team.


Gilty Pleasures runs until March 16th and is the first of a high profile series of exhibitions and events celebrating this anniversary year.   It got a very warm reception and has got the year off to great start.

It really is a show not to miss.

(opening night at Gilty Pleasures)