A new exhibition at Beverley Art Gallery looks beyond the familiar, picture-perfect image of England to explore the real character of the north.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s newest exhibition is a love letter to the north of England by Ian Scott Massie. Shaped by a journey that began nearly fifty years ago, the pieces on display delve into both the honest and the complex.
Through watercolours and prints, the artist explores landscapes, towns and communities, capturing the beauty of the countryside as well as the marks left by industry. Alongside scenes of farming life and proud mill towns are quieter stories of isolation, change and decline.
The works are brought together like pieces of a jigsaw, each one revealing something about northern life. They trace how the artist’s understanding of the north has grown over time.
Beverley and the East Riding appear as a small but powerful reflection of the wider north, shaped by history, faith and working life, from shipbuilding, coal mining and milling to the area’s gradual post-industrial change.
‘Northern Soul’ will feature inside Beverley Art Gallery, from now until Saturday, 14 March.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: ‘’We are proud to share the opening of Northern Soul at Beverley Art Gallery, this exhibition is a wonderful display of the north’s rich history as well as the diverse landscape which shapes the area.’’
Hannah Willetts, curator at Beverley Art Gallery, said: ‘’I’m delighted to launch this exhibition. It has been a pleasure working with Ian Scott Massie and discovering his research and explorations, particularly across Beverley and the East Riding.
‘’This is a truly vibrant and uplifting start to Beverley Art Gallery’s 2026 programme. So please come and experience the artist’s interpretation of the places you know and love. All works are for sale.’’
Entrance to the exhibition is free.
Beverley Art Gallery is located within the Champney Treasure House, Beverley.
For more information and opening times, please visit: Beverley Art Gallery
Picture captions:
Through watercolours and prints, the artist explores landscapes, towns and communities in the East Riding
