Beryl Cook's Colorful Legacy Springs to Life in Plymouth

Beryl Cook: A Retrospective Celebration

A centenary celebration has brought forth Beryl Cook, a name that once evoked mixed reactions but is now basking in newfound appreciation. The exhibition titled Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy showcases her lively reflections of Plymouth's vibrant working-class life, LGBTQ+ culture, and the ongoings of everyday citizens.

A City's Tribute

Cook's artistic journey began in 1926, and her love for her adopted home of Plymouth deepened with every brushstroke. This retrospective, housed at The Box, showcases approximately 80 of her painted works, illustrating the joyful spirit she captured through her lenses.

The New Wave of Recognition

After previous international exhibitions in cities like New York and Los Angeles, the homecoming offers a chance to reframe Cook's legacy. Her work now stands as a vibrant documentation of the city's nightlife and its colorful personas. Curator Terah Walkup states, "Her work from the 1970s to 2000s captures working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture with a sophistication that's only now being fully recognized."

Life-Size Sculptures Come to Life

Not just confined to canvases, Cook's characters have been given three-dimensional form in life-size sculptures created by the Theatre Royal's set-building department at TR2. These sculptures dot pivotal locations throughout Plymouth, offering a playful interaction for passersby, as they were designed with social media moments in mind. "These will be sculptures you'd want to do a selfie with," says Seb Soper, head of project development at TR2.

Cultural Chronicler

Cook embraced humor in her works, focusing on larger-than-life characters; seniors playing bingo, drag queens strutting their stuff, and sailormen enjoying a jovial night out. She gave a voice to the underrepresented, creating a body of work bursting at the seams with joy and unity.

"To be able to paint, I really need to see everything that's going on," Cook once quipped during an interview, showcasing her vibrant spirit. Her daughter-in-law, Theresa Cook, encapsulated her joy, stating, "Her characters coming to life in the actual places she painted them would have absolutely delighted her."

Contributions from the Community

This exhibition allows both artists and fans to contribute, making it a community-centric event. Theresa shared that many more paintings were volunteered than could be showcased, adding to the joy felt by the family. "Some of the paintings we've never seen," she noted with glee.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tapestry of Cook's legacy to unfold, with artworks spanning her dynamic career, alongside a personal archive brimming with photographs and letters. This free exhibition is not just a treat for art lovers; it's a celebration of a city's affection for a woman who, through her art, documented its soul.

Exhibition Details

Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy runs from January 24 to May 31, and while admission is free, guests must book a timed slot to immerse themselves in this joyful journey through Plymouth's beloved artist's work.