The New Vic Theatre, alongside partners Barewall Gallery, Arthur Wood Estate, Victoria Theatre Archive, Claybody Theatre, Keele University, Three Counties Open Art Exhibition, Staffordshire Film Archive and Appetite Stoke, have been awarded a £147,193 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to design and deliver a year-long programme of events in 2025 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of British artist, poet, playwright and broadcaster, Arthur Berry.
One of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous cultural icons, Arthur Berry created original poetry, plays and artworks that were rooted in the local culture of North Staffordshire and depicted aspects of 20th Century working class life in a way rarely seen before or since. Whilst much of his work is held between the Arthur Berry Estate (managed by Barewall Gallery), his producer Arthur Wood and in the New Vic’s Victoria Theatre Archive, a significant portion of his material exists in fragile physical form, in private ownership. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, Arthur Berry 100 will start to catalogue and recapture works from the artist’s collection with a view to starting to create an open archive, ensuring Berry’s legacy does not disappear from the public domain.
Arthur Berry 100 will also see a series of celebration events take place throughout the year to showcase the artist’s breadth of work, including exhibitions, the sharing of previously unseen footage and photography from his life, the world premiere of his last play and opportunities to engage in creative activity to bring his legacy to life.
Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director of the New Vic, said: “Arthur Berry is our Lowry: an observer of ordinary lives lived in an industrial landscape. Berry was writing, drawing and broadcasting this world during a time when regional voices were regarded as local voices. Even so, his fine art was appreciated by a wider audience, and it’s time to make sure the unique voice in his plays and poems is heard again. Thanks to National Lottery players, Arthur Berry 100 will enable us to bring the collection of this incredible artist’s work into the public domain ensuring his legacy is not lost for future generations.”
Amanda Bromley from Barewall Gallery said: “Arthur Berry’s legacy will be accessible for all to study, discover and revel in, and I’m beyond delighted. With the help of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are able to deliver the Arthur Berry 100 celebration events across the region, attracting people from all over the country. An artist, poet and playwright who is famous for his captivating work of working-class culture in the 20th century Potteries, Berry’s work is just as relevant today as it was then and will touch the hearts and souls of those who engage.”
Arthur Berry 100 will contribute to celebrations for SOT100 – a year of activity to mark the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent being awarded official city status that will shine a light on the heritage and cultural identity of the city and our area, affectionately known as The Potteries.
More details for the full programme of events part of Arthur Berry 100 will be released in January. Visit arthurberry100.co.uk for more information.