Haworth, Hell & Halifax

Haworth, Hell & Halifax

Haworth, Hell and Halifax is an exhibition of sculptures and drawings by Diane Lawrenson. Lawrenson creates sensitive, perceptive sculptures and drawings inspired by heritage, literature, landscape, place, portraiture and the figure. This exhibition explores the breadth of her work, from her acclaimed life-size sculptures of the Bronte sisters to intensely personal depictions of emotional turmoil in ‘Freed Spirit’. Connections are constantly drawn between figure and landscape throughout her work. Lawrenson has spoken of how hills have inspired figure drawings and rock formations have led to sketches of imagined scenes and characters.

This exhibition is the first to show the bronze concept piece of the famous lesbian diarist, businesswoman and Halifax landowner, Anne Lister. Created in clay in 2019 and cast in foundry bronze in 2020, this sculpture shows Lister in contemplation, presenting a new interpretation of this pioneering figure.

Titled Haworth, Hell & Halifax, Lawrenson makes reference to a phrase popular in the 17th century ‘From Hell, Hull and Halifax, May The Good Lord Deliver Us’, originating in the Beggars’ Litany and best known from a poem by John Taylor written in 1622. The title here refers to the importance of place in her work, whilst also alluding to the deeply emotional content that individual works explore.

Born in Liverpool, 1946, Lawrenson is based in Cumbria and has lived and worked in North Wales and West Yorkshire. She studied at Keighley College, specialising in Ceramic Sculpture. Lawrenson has work in both private and public collections. As a Member of the Society of Women Artists, she has exhibited at the Mall Galleries London, where she has received several awards for her sculpture. She has been a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy since 2000.

OPENING TIMES

Monday to Tuesday 10am – 4pm

Wednesday 10am – 12noon

Thursday to Friday 10am – 1pm

Saturday to Sunday 10am – 4pm

If you are visiting to see the exhibition outside of these hours please ask at the Visitor Centre and we will endeavour to open the gallery for you.