Our inaugural exhibition ‘Joan Charnley - Cut Grass, Lavender & Chanel No.5’ explores the work of Weavers Factory patron Joan Charnley and her life in Uppermill. Despite having a detailed knowledge of flora and fauna she was only able to smell fresh cut grass, lavender and Chanel No.5.
In this exhibition Weavers Factory curator Julian Bovis selects paintings and sketches from Joan’s travel archive, Dr John Hewitt explores a visual history of Uppermill, students from Manchester School of Art respond to the Great Exhibition of 1853, and students from Oldham College create new work inspired by Joan.
The Garden Gallery
John Hewitt - Selected Visual History of Uppermill
Manchester School of Art Students - The Great Exhibition
The Grand Salon Gallery
Oldham College Students - The Life of Joan Charnley
The Loom Shop Gallery
Joan Charnley - Landscapes and Travel
Julian Bovis - Snape and Staffa
Dr John Hewitt - A Selected Visual History of Uppermill
John Hewitt’s selected visual history of Uppermill originated through his practise of daily sketchbook drawing and depicts significant elements of local architecture and industry which have shaped the contemporary community.
Manchester School of Art - Illustration with Animation students
Illustration with Animation students from Manchester School of Art respond to ‘The Great Exhibition’, the infamous 1853 exhibition in Saddleworth attended by Charles Dickens. Did Dickens visit Saddleworth, or was it Victorian ‘fake news'‘?
Joan Charnley - Landscapes and Travel
Weavers Factory curator Julian Bovis selects a number of paintings, sketches and studies by Joan Charnley, discovered hidden away in books, folders and drawers and rarely seen before.
Oldham College - The Life of Joan Charnley
Joan was Principal of the Oldham Institute from 1963 to 1971 so we’re honoured to have Oldham College participating in our inaugural exhibition. Under the guidance of tutors Mark Rigby and Hayley Goodwin, students have taken over the Loom Shop Gallery with their own personal responses to Joan Charnley’s life and work.
