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Bangor’s Seacourt Print Workshop launches exhibition of work by Pop Art Pioneer

28th March, 2025

Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor has opened its new exhibition, featuring work by acclaimed artist Joe Tilson (1928-2023).

The exhibition showcases prints by the renowned British artist. Strongly associated with the 1960s British Pop Art movement, Tilson is widely recognised and respected for his work in wood, sculpture, painting and printmaking. The exhibition will also include examples of his later pieces, notably featuring ziggurats, and the use of consumerist imagery to explore fundamental themes including political engagement, environmentalism, ancient cultures and traditions.

Image of three people in a white gallery space. They are surrounded by artworks.
Caption: Pictured Clare McComish, Visual Arts Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland with Emma Drury, Director of Seacourt Print Workshop and Jessica Hollywood, Programme Communications Officer and Seacourt Print Workshop Member.

It is Seacourt’s second exhibition since it reopened its doors in October 2024, following extensive renovations to its home, at the former historic Ulster Bank premises on Bangor’s Main Street. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through National Lottery funding, Seacourt was originally set up in 1981 with a focus on promoting the art of printmaking in Bangor and creating opportunities for people to engage locally.

The new location places Seacourt at the heart of the city. Relocating originally as tenants in 2021, a package of grants, donations and social finance, enabled Seacourt to buy the building and last year complete an extensive renovation programme, with enhanced facilities.

The impressive B2 listed historic building is now home to Seacourt’s 60 members and contains 11 artists studio spaces, as well as a dedicated gallery and education room where it holds workshops and classes.

Looking forward to the Tilson exhibition, Director Emma Drury commented: “Following the first instalment of Artists and Printmakers at the Ulster Museum last year we are delighted to be able to spotlight the work of Joe Tilson in our new exhibition space in the old Ulster bank building. This beautiful bright space on Main Street allows us to bring printmaking and visual arts to new audiences. Our members are busy preparing for a group show in May titled ‘All at Sea’ and in July our studio resident Craig Jefferson will show prints and paintings in the first major exhibition of his work in his hometown.”
Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Art, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Seacourt has been on an incredible journey over the last few years. Their newly renovated home places them at the centre of Bangor’s cultural regeneration, with wonderful facilities for local artists, as well as offering workshops and creative experiences for the wider community. The Joe Tilson exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity for people to come, explore the gallery, and find out more about the wider programme of events planned for this year.”

Seacourt Print Workshop gratefully acknowledges the investment both capital and revenue for its renovation project from:

  • Department for Levelling Up and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund
  • Social investment through Community Finance Ireland
  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland
  • The Foyle Foundation
  • Esme Mitchell Trust
  • Arts and Business Blueprint Programme
  • Donations of £20,000 from supporters

For more information on upcoming classes and events visit seacourt-ni.org.uk

Seacourt Print Workshop opens exhibition of work by acclaimed artist Joe Tilson