James Mac’s work added to Morley Permanent Collection

After eight busy days, Morley Gallery‘s MakeupXArt exhibition has come to an end, with artist James Mac donating the exhibition’s ‘hero’ image to the Morley Permanent Collection.

The image joins a collection that includes works by esteemed artists Bridget Riley, Edward Bawden, John Piper, Maggi Hambling and Denzil Forrester.

The image will be on initial display from 6 February as part of Morley’s upcoming exhibition Queer Life, a collection of memorabilia with a queer association, along with the personal stories and memories which illuminate each piece. The exhibition is taking place as part of Morley’s celebration of LGBT+ History Month.

Selected works will also be on display across Morley’s three main teaching sites from this Spring thanks to a permanent loan arrangement with James Mac.

James Mac signing his contribution to the Morley Permanent Collection

Penny Lecture: 5 March 2024

James will return to Morley on 5 March – this time to the North Kensington Centre for Skills near Portobello Road – to deliver a Penny Lecture where he will talk about his career as a makeup artist as well as giving an insight into his own story, as a queer, Irish person living with Tourette’s Syndrome.

Click here to reserve your place.

Penny Lectures were created by the founder of the college, Emma Cons and first delivered at the Old Vic in September 1882: former contributions have included The Telephone or how to talk to a man a hundred miles away, Why is the Sea Salty?, and lectures by dancer Dame Darcey Bussell, graphic designer Neville Brody and artist Jane Joseph.

Exhibition review