For 25 years John Sculley has worked in arts and museums across the North West, having recently retired as Head of Museums and Arts Development in Salford, he worked tirelessly to promote the social value of cultural activity to local people.
This is the first retrospective exhibition by an exceptional artist and takes in the length and breadth of his creative output over the 35 years. ‘Painting’, Picasso said, ‘is just another way of keeping a diary’. Culture, Barricades and Badges, illustrates not only a journey of individual artistic development but the personal experience over a lifetime of a family man, theatre goer, football fanatic, political commentator and social historian.
From the unrest of the Toxteth Riots and the Miners Strike, to family holidays, FA Cup victories and classical dance, this exhibition is must see for everyone engaged in contemporary life. Accompanying the exhibition is John’s spectacular collection of emblems and badges which, as well as complimenting the paintings, offer a unique insight in the social and political history of the last four decades.
His ongoing commitment to art, artists and communities, continues with regular studio visits, talks and lectures to groups, schools and universities. Trained in Fine Art and the winner of several awards and prizes including a John Moores scholarship, he has maintained his creative practice and regularly exhibits throughout the UK.
John was a key figure in the development of Salford Museum & Art Gallery in the last 10 years so as you can imagine we are excited and proud to be hosting this exhibition.
14 November to 21 February 2016, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Crescent, Salford
