Beryl Cook: A Retrospective Celebration in Plymouth

A significant retrospective exhibition of Beryl Cook's work, titled "Pride and Joy," is set to open in Plymouth, marking the centenary of her birth. The exhibition, curated by Terah Walkup at The Box, aims to reposition Cook's vibrant paintings from being dismissed as kitsch to being recognized as serious art that chronicles a transformative social period. The show features over 80 paintings, alongside sculptures, textiles, and access to Cook's personal archive, emphasizing her focus on marginalized communities and identities.

The Guardian

Beryl Cook, who lived from 1926 to 2008, moved to Plymouth in 1968, where she found inspiration in the city's pubs, streets, and social life. Her art, spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s, captures themes of working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture. The exhibition coincides with Plymouth's bid to become the UK City of Culture, further highlighting the city's evolving cultural landscape.

The Guardian

Cook's artistic methods are explored in a dedicated section of the exhibition, revealing her meticulous research process that drew from local media and cultural influences, including seaside postcards and the works of artists like Amedeo Modigliani and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Her paintings often depict subjects unapologetically occupying public spaces, celebrating their identities rather than mocking them.

The Guardian

Jemima Laing, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, emphasized Cook's role in placing Plymouth on the cultural map, stating that she painted the city's people with warmth and humor. Laing noted that while critics may have dismissed Cook during her lifetime, the public embraced her work, and the retrospective offers a long-overdue recognition of her contributions. Larger-than-life sculptures of Cook's characters are also planned to be installed across the city as a tribute to her legacy.

The Guardian

Despite the celebration of Cook's work, some critics have historically labeled her art as simplistic or lacking depth. However, the retrospective seeks to challenge these perceptions by showcasing the complexity and significance of her subjects and themes.

The Guardian

• “This is absolutely a moment for Beryl Cook,” — Terah Walkup, Curator at The Box

The Guardian

• “For over 40 years she painted our sailors, our shoppers, our pubs, our people, always with warmth, humour and genuine affection.” — Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council

The Guardian

• “She’s one of the glories of British painting, a modern William Hogarth and Thomas Rowlandson rolled into one,” — Julian Spalding, Writer and Former Museum Director

The Guardian

The "Pride and Joy" exhibition not only celebrates Beryl Cook's artistic achievements but also serves as a reflection of the cultural identity of Plymouth, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with her vibrant legacy.

The Guardian