There is something for everyone at the Harris this spring with four exciting new exhibitions, from local history to newly-made art. 

The spring exhibitions allow visitors the chance to see new work by Preston based artists Anita George, Gavin Renshaw and Kathryn Poole specially commissioned for the The Artful Line exhibition and inspired by the history of the Courtauld’s factory, now Red Scar Business Park.

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The Artful Line exhibition is part of an ongoing project with The Courtauld and brings together works by Rosetti, Auerbach and Blake to examine drawing in all its forms. The exhibition also celebrates our shared heritage with Courtaulds textiles.

Other exhibitions include More T’ North, a contemporary exhibition curated by the Harris Young producers that challenges Northern stereotypes by showcasing rich talent of the region, sponsored by EasyPass Driving School and The Unfurlings: Banners for Hope and Change, created by people living with dementia.

Artist Abigail Reynolds’ solo exhibition Taken in a few seconds, by the reflection of light will explore what a library means today and will be in Harris’ Library’s Heritage Reading Room.

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Katherine Dunleavy, Regional Programme Coordinator at The Courtauld Gallery, said, “We are thrilled to take forward our partnership with the Harris with the loans of four exceptional works by artists including Dante Gabriele Rossetti and Frank Auerbach, and to provide an opportunity for Prestonians to experience and enjoy these remarkable drawings from The Courtauld Gallery’s collection.

“It is fantastic to also celebrate our shared heritage with Courtaulds textiles through this exhibition.”

People in Preston living with dementia worked with artist Ian Beesley and poet Ian McMillan on their banner for the Unfurlings exhibition.

The Harris has created a dementia-friendly space, by including people with dementia in all elements of creating and planning the exhibition area, to play their part in the bigger Dementia Friendly Communities movement.

Cllr Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council said, “The Harris works closely with artists, partners and community groups to produce exhibitions of a high quality that engage with our visitors.

“Each exhibition has a different theme and this variety in our spring and autumn offer has proved popular with visitors, signifying an increase in visitor numbers year on year.

“We would like to thank our partners, The Courtauld Gallery, The Alzheimer’s Society, Harris Young Producers, Abigail Reynolds and all the artists and curators involved, for their hard work in delivering the 2020 spring exhibitions.”

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Exhibitions are open now and are free with a full programme of events over February Half Term, Easter and Spring Bank Holidays, running up until 31 May 2020.

Artist Abigail Reynolds solo exhibition Taken in a few seconds /// By the reflection of light runs until 10 May 2020.