Art and Industry

July - January 2027
11:00 - 16:45
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery has a varied collection of art and objects inspired by local industry and made by artists working with companies such as Darwen Terracotta and Faience, Graham & Brown and Ritherdon & Co Ltd.

The first floor Contemporary Art Gallery has been redisplayed ahead of The National Festival of Making 2026 and features a curated selection of these objects in a new display focused on Art and Industry.

The gallery features for the first time our brand new acquisitions from Hannah Leighton-Boyce and Nicola Ellis, both of whom created work as part of Art in Manufacturing programme working with local industries.

 

Hung one a white wall are 4 square metal sheet artworks decorated with colour gradients including black, white, green, red, orange and grey tones. In the centre is a metal railing displayed on a white plinth.

Artworks produced by Nicola Ellis.

Hanging on a white wall is a square ceramic brown artwork next to 4 vertical rectangular pieces in pastel blue, green and cream tones. On the floor a white ceramic cube sits on a wooden plinth.

Artworks produced by Hannah Leighton-Boyce.

Inside a glass case 7 coloured vases of the same size and shape are displayed in a line. Above is a reflection of the vases caught in the glass. In the background is a wall mounted white artwork.

Darwen Terracotta Test Piece Vases produced in the 1930s.

Details

Free

Location: Contemporary Art Gallery, Hart Gallery, First Floor

Accessibility: Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery is fully accessible. There is a lift to the First Floor through our Cotton Town Gallery.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 – 16:45