From 16th-century art to contemporary work by Sheffield’s own creatives, the Millennium Gallery latest exhibition arrives packed with some of the city’s finest pieces. With more than 6,000 items, Sheffield’s art collection, founded 150 years ago, offers a rich archive of identity, culture and history. The new exhibition, ‘New Horizons: Growing Sheffield’s Art Collection’, draws on this extensive back catalogue to showcase both celebrated British artists and excellent Sheffield talent too.
The display features work by some of the most prolific artists of the 1900s, with Sean Scully, Lubna Chowdhary, Lucian Freud, Dan Holdsworth, Grayson Perry, Bridget Riley, Marlene Smith, Mathew Weir and Mark Wallinger, among many others.
I spoke to Kirsty Hamilton, Director of Programmes at Sheffield Museums Trust, about why this exhibition holds particular appeal for the city.
“People should come and see it because, first of all, it’s the city’s art, it’s everyone’s collection, and engaging with that is really important. Secondly, it shows some of the most important British artists, particularly of the 20th century, but it also highlights the fantastic talent we have here in Sheffield.”
I asked Kirsty how important it is for young people to have free access to both historical and modern art in their own city.
“It’s got a really important role in helping you think and explore the world around you,” she said, “but also in understanding where you are in it, your place in the world as well.”
When it comes to students specifically, she added:
“Students do visit, but often when their parents are in town. Younger people are always hard to engage, you’re busy and have a lot going on. But if you’re in the city centre and you’ve got half an hour to spare, come in. Hopefully your eyes will be opened to something new.”
Within the exhibition, one of the standout pieces is the large ‘Grayson Perry Comfort Blanket’, styled like a £10 note and filled with familiar phrases that reflect British culture and identity. Kirsty explained:
“Grayson Perry is exploring the idea of Britishness at a moment when that concept is being examined repeatedly on both national and international stages. Politics are changing so rapidly, and the idea of identity is incredibly complex but also hugely important.”
Sheffield Museums is a charity that relies on fundraising and donations, as well as council funding, to ensure the city’s collection continues to grow. The collection was originally established to make art accessible to the people of Sheffield, a mission that still drives the organisation today.
Alongside this, Kirsty stressed the importance of checking out the Graves Gallery, which is part of the Sheffield Museums family. Located on the third floor of the Library, there is an equally exciting exhibition on ‘Penny McCarthy: How to Look Through Time’ as well as a connection to the rest of Sheffield city’s collection.
A reminder that some of the country’s most exciting art is right here in Sheffield, just waiting to be seen.
