‘Opera Dog’ finds new home at the Key Theatre, Peterborough
A sculpture from one of Britain’s most original and inventive artists has found a new home at the Key Theatre in Peterborough.
Barry Flanagan’s Opera Dog, which is owned by Peterborough Sculpture Trust, has been relocated to the Key Theatre. The bronze sculpture will be officially unveiled at a reception on Tuesday 6 December to take place at 6pm in the theatre.
Barry Flanagan (1941 – 2009) is a sculptor with an international reputation, whose work is held in public collections worldwide. An exhibition of his work is currently on display at Tate Britain until 2 January 2012.
Kevin Tighe, Chief Executive of Vivacity, Peterborough’s Culture and Leisure Trust which manages the Key Theatre, commented:
“We are very pleased to welcome this important sculpture into its new home at the Key Theatre, and we are sure it will bring enjoyment to theatre goers for many years to come. Displaying pieces of art in new environments is something that we are keen to develop in Vivacity, and our venues are the perfect spaces in which to display artwork to new audiences, particularly as the Museum Art Gallery is currently closed whilst it undergoes refurbishment.”
Chris Mardell, Chairman of the Peterborough Sculpture Trust, said:
“Opera Dog is one of the most important sculptures in our collection. We are delighted to have been able to work with Vivacity to display the piece at the Key Theatre where we are sure it will be appreciated and enjoyed by a wide audience including the many children who visit the theatre. We look forward to further joint projects in the future.”
The sculpture will be formally on public display from Wednesday 7 December, in time to entertain audiences attending the Key Theatre’s pantomime, which opens on Thursday 8 December.
For more information please contact Emma Evans, 01733 864273 or 07747 587249
Peterborough Sculpture Trust
Peterborough Sculpture Trust was set up in 1988 by the Peterborough Development Corporation to carry on the work of enhancing the enjoyment and appreciation of the Arts in Peterborough. The Corporation itself was set up in 1968 with the task of overseeing the expansion of the City, and, as part of this, purchased a selection of sculptures by major British artists between 1978 and 1988 for permanent display throughout the City.
There are now 26 pieces in the Trust’s permanent collection by a wide range of artists including Antony Gormley, Barry Flanagan, Sir Anthony Caro, Lee Grandjean and John Maine, plus other works on loan from artists and other organizations. It continues to have a programme of educational and development work and adds new works to the collection by the best of today’s sculptors. For more information on the Trust’s work, please visit www.peterboroughsculpture.org
Vivacity Peterborough Culture & Leisure
Vivacity is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with charitable status which manages many of Peterborough’s most popular culture and leisure facilities on behalf of Peterborough City Council. These include the Key Theatre, Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Flag Fen, Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre and Peterborough Libraries and Archives Service. It aims to provide high quality culture and leisure services to the widest possible audience of residents and visitors to Peterborough. To find out more, go to www.vivacity-peterborough.com
Barry Flanagan (1941 – 2009)
Barry Flanagan was one of Britain’s most original and inventive artists and a key figure in the development of British and International sculpture. He is best know for the large-scale bronze hare sculptures that he began producing in the early 1980s and that can be seen in many galleries and public spaces around the world. Born in Prestatyn, Wales, Barry Flanagan studied and subsequently taught at St Martin’s School of Art, London. His work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Britain and internationally. He died of motor neurone disease in 2009, aged 68. More information can be found at www.barryflanagan.com.