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Tickets selling well for Beryl Cook show

Alison StephensonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageourberylcook.com/John Cook Four men dressed in blue sailor suits and hats are siting smoking on a bench in a park. Two seagulls are perched on a rail in front of them and one has its beak open and appears to be squawking.ourberylcook.com/John Cook
Eighty paintings including Sailors and Seagulls will be on display

More than 3,000 people have snapped up tickets to see paintings by Plymouth artist Beryl Cook who was famed for her colourful work of people having fun.

The four-month show is called "Pride and Joy" opening at The Box in Plymouth on 24 January will be the most extensive display of the artist's work to date.

Her granddaughter Sophie Cook said the four life-size 3D sculptures based on her paintings which will appear across the city would have delighted her as "she loved Plymouth and Plymouth loved her back".

Beryl Cook died in 2008 and painted people she encountered in everyday life enjoying themselves in pubs, shopping, on holiday and at parties, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

News imageourberylcook.com/John Cook A group of men are gathered around the bar whilst one man in a pale brown top and brown trousers holds a crutch above his head and points his left foot as if dancing. A man in a white suit with yellow shirt and black platform shoes with brown hells holds the other crutch.ourberylcook.com/John Cook
Beryl Cook documented pub life in The Back Bar of the Lockyer Tavern

More than 80 works, from iconic paintings to rarely seen treasures usually in private collections and the Cook family archives, will be on display at the The Box which worked with the Theatre Royal Plymouth to create the sculptures of her characters.

The Box said the free show will "fundamentally reassess Cook's significance as a chronicler of everyday life during a time of great change in Britain".

Beryl Cook 1: A new exhibition.

Victoria Pomery, chief executive of The Box, said: "Beryl painted Plymouth with such warmth, humour and affection for over 40 years.

"These sculptures bring her work back to the streets she loved – The Hoe, the Barbican, the Pannier Market, the city's pubs and clubs. They're going to bring so much joy to people."

News imageourberylcook.com/John Cook A woman in a blue top and navy jeans is sitting outside feeding two blue-shelled tortoises with lettuce whilst a cream Siamese cat with a brown face and blue eyes watches.ourberylcook.com/John Cook
Beryl Cook was famed for bright images including this one called Feeding the Tortoise

Plymouth comedian Suzy Bennett is creating a comedy walking tour which will take visitors on a journey through Beryl's Plymouth.

Sophie Cook, Beryl's granddaughter, said: "Seeing her characters come to life in the actual places she painted them – The Hoe, the pubs, the market – would have absolutely delighted her. "

James Mackenzie-Blackman, chief executive and artistic director of Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: "Beryl's work celebrated people who were often overlooked or dismissed, and these sculptures are a brilliant way to share that celebration across the whole city."

Plymouth City Council's acting leader Jemima Laing said: "Her paintings are recognised worldwide. They always showed our city with such affection – the sailors, the working people, the nightlife, the everyday moments that make Plymouth special."

She said the show in Cook's centenary year is "going to be really special and I can't wait for it."

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