Show celebrates a century of art

July 3rd, 2009

GRAMMAR SCHOOL SHOW CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF ART
Wolverhampton Grammar School’s 37th annual A Level and GCSE art show, which took place in the school’s Viner gallery this week, was not only a showcase for its current artists, but a celebration of the work of one its former teachers, who at 101 is still a keen support of art at the school.

Charles Viner, former Head of Art  was at WGS between 1942 and 1968 and the recent exhibition which took place in the gallery that was named after him, featured a retrospective of his work. The paintings, drawings and wood carvings which represented more than eight decades of his work, were displayed alongside the work of students undertaking A Level and GCSE art this year.

Current Head of Art, John Perkins was thrilled to be able to host such a poignant exhibition: “We have been staging an end of year exam show for the last 37 years,” he comments. “But since we opened our new arts and drama complex last year we have been featuring the work of other artists who have been associated with the school. This year we thought it was more than fitting to show the work of Charles Viner, who this wonderful gallery is named after.”

Art at WGS continues to showcase the talent the Black Country has to offer. Last year was the seventh year running that all A Level Art & Design students achieved straight A grades and its GCSE grades are equally as impressive.

Charles Viner’s retrospective featured more than 60 pieces, the earliest of which was a street scene painted in the early 1920’s.

“It is marvellous to be able to exhibit  my work here at the Viner gallery,” comments Charles Viner. “To stage an exhibition at a gallery that carries your name is certainly an honour. I am very proud of the time I spent here at Wolverhampton Grammar School and it is wonderful to see that the tradition of producing superb art continues to this day.”

Photograph: Charles Viner (right) with current Head of Art, John Perkins.