Artistic Influence In Hartlepool

Vince's interest in boats combined nicely with our mutual interest in art last week as we headed over to Hartlepool for an afternoon out. After a quick look round the marina, we called in at Hartlepool Art Gallery to see an exhibition by local artist John McCracken.

We found an extensive show, filling a large part of the gallery, mainly portraits including several self-portraits of John at various ages (See picture above). We hadn't come across this artist or his work before but that didn't stop us appreciating his varied styles, mixture of subjects and versatility.

A couple of paintings that caught our attention were of people sat on a train. These pictures reflected a favoured style of John's: painting ordinary people in everyday situations. We could almost recognise the people sat chatting, reading the paper and gazing out at the dramatic views along the Durham coastline.

Also on show were paintings by artists who had influenced John's work such as Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach. Some of these pictures had been loaned from the Tate Gallery, MIMA and Newcastle’s Hatton Gallery. It was interesting to compare the styles of all four artists in one place.

Originally from Belfast, John later settled in Hartlepool and came to have a wide involvement in the art scene in and around Hartlepool. He lectured at Hartlepool College of Art and was a curator at the Gray Art Gallery and Museum. He acquired a number of important modern works of art for the town’s collection including Lucian Freud’s ‘Head of a Woman’ and Frank Auerbach’s ‘Shell Building Site’. His friendship with Lucian Freud also allowed him to bring a major exhibition of Freud's work to Hartlepool in 1972. This is the only venue outside London to have held such an exhibition.

Apart from art, John wrote poetry and enjoyed jazz music. Sadly, he died in 1982 at the age of 46. We were surprised to discover that he married his wife, Carol, in the church that is now the art gallery where his exhibition is being shown. A very appropriate tribute to this versatile artist who had so much influence over art in Hartlepool.

The exhibition, 'John McCracken – His Work and Influences', continues at Hartlepool Art Gallery on Church Road until 2nd April 2011.

You can read more about John McCracken on Wikipedia.

Vicky and Vince,

Love Your Art