Latest news with #CraigSimpson
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
More mystery 'Minions' appear painted under Burnley bridge
More mystery "Minions" have appeared painted by an unknown artist under a motorway bridge, to the delight of initial set of the yellow cartoon creations - featured in the Despicable Me movies - appeared last month under the Leeds Liverpool canal just past Rosegrove, close to Hapton in Burnley, Lancashire.A further nine have now emerged on the bridge stanchions with the identity of the artist, who locals have dubbed "the Burnley Banksy", yet to come Simpson, who lives nearby, said the striking artwork "brings a smile to my face" and he hopes the Minions stay. However, National Highways said the designs could impede inspections of the structures. Mr Simpson said he often cycles past the structures and thinks they are fantastic. "They brighten up an otherwise dull bit of concrete," he said."It is a lot better than your average destructive graffiti. There's a bit of art to it and kids will enjoy it."He said the Minions have been discussed on social media and "nobody has a bad word to say about them".The 63-year-old added: "It's good for the local area. Let's hope they stay." Julie Robinson and Pete Storozuk are also impressed."They're really good," Ms Robinson said."We come past quite a lot and one day they weren't there and the the next day they were. It's so amazing." The 69-year-old said the mysterious artist was talented and should come forward while Mr Storozuk said: "It brightens up the place."He said the artist was a "quick worker" although it was a "shame it wasn't [the real] Banksy". Eric and Lindsey Kerr often walk their dogs past the bridge and agreed the art was "brilliant". Mrs Kerr, 61, said: "They make people smile. They're a great idea. We love them."Mr Kerr, 64, added: "It's better than just looking at just concrete."However, National Highways was not as fast to compliment the a statement, it said: "While this kind of graffiti might seem entertaining, it does impede our ability to fully inspect the structures for any maintenance issues."Removing the paint will also cost time and money - resources which would otherwise be spent on improving drivers' motorway journeys." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbrian art gallery to run major new solo exhibition from top emerging UK artist
A WEST Cumbrian art gallery will run a major new solo exhibition from 'one of the UK's most gifted emerging artists.' Castlegate House Gallery is delighted to announce a major new solo exhibition by one of the UK's most gifted emerging artists, Craig Simpson. Titled 'Our Sanctuary; the familiar and the absurd,' the exhibition will run from Saturday 17th May to Saturday 7th June 2025, featuring twenty new paintings produced over the last eighteen months. Craig Simpson draws on personal experience—placing himself, his family, friends and acquaintances in compositions that often merge a contemplative solitude with surreal twists. In this new body of work, the artist continues to explore themes of home, identity, and the absurdity of the everyday, bringing a fresh yet timeless perspective to contemporary figurative painting. Gallery Director Steve Swallow shares: 'With influences from the likes of Stanley Spencer, Craig merges the contemporary with the Modern British—a Venn diagram of the two, with Craig's art presiding within the overlap.' 'Craig is one of the most innovative and exciting young contemporary artists at work in the UK today. His progression since we began working together in 2022 has been astonishing, culminating in what I believe is the most accomplished body of work we've exhibited in over a decade.' Craig has spent over eighteen months in the studio creating this series, which will fully occupy the gallery space during the run of the exhibition. A casual opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 12 to 2pm, with the artist in attendance. All are welcome.
