An exhibition dedicated to local historian Malcom Neesam is currently on display at Harrogate Library.
The Public Library, The People’s University exhibition features about 40 works by local artist Matt Wyatt – including a portrait of Malcom Neesam and a written tribute to him.
Mr Neesam, who was regarded Harrogate‘s foremost historian, died last year on his 76th birthday.
He grew up in Harrogate and spent most of his life working as a librarian and archivist, with a passion for writing about the town’s rich history.
Mr Wyatt said:
“The show is dedicated to Malcom Neesam with his portrait and written tribute on display.
“Visitors are invited to make art to add to the display and write reviews giving feedback and critiques. This encourages creativity from the viewers should they wish to explore this.”
The title of the exhibition draws on a conversation between Mr Wyatt and Mr Neesam, he added.
The artwork is in a variety of mediums – including oil and acrylic paintings, collages, photographs and writings – and aims to celebrate how the library serves our community.
Some of the works on display, including a portrait of local writer Joel Dean and the Odeon Harrogate.
Various community groups, including Harrogate Writers Collective and Harrogate Film Society, are also signposted throughout the exhibition.
In addition, there are more than 100 pieces of work by local people and school pupils to enjoy. Visitors are invited to create and add their own artwork to the display to “encourage creativity”.
Mr Wyatt told the Stray Ferret:
“It aims to build community, local culture and bring more people to enjoy the library.”
The library exhibition is free to enter and is located on Victoria Avenue.
The exhibition is on display now and runs until Saturday, November 4.
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