Exhibition pays tribute to Rochdale artist

Mayor for Rochdale Zulfiqar Ali talks to Andy Pearce in the recently refurbished Number Ten Art Gallery

An exhibition of the works of Bob Crossley, who has recently died aged 98, has opened at Number Ten Gallery in Rochdale Town Centre.

Featuring 24 paintings and seven limited edition silk screen prints, the display offers a rare opportunity to view (and buy) work by this internationally respected artist who lived and worked for many years in Rochdale.

Speaking at the Preview opening event, Andy Pearce, from the People’s History Museum, said: “I only got to meet Bob late in his life but he came across as some one who was passionate about the enriching and transforming power of art and the importance of understanding one‘s heritage.

“In Rochdale, as in many places at the present time, these values are being questioned and the opportunities for people to experience arts and heritage for themselves are under threat.

“That’s why developments like Number Ten Gallery and Angela and Christine’s (co-owners of Number Ten) ambitious plans to expand further and open their art café seem to me more important than ever.

“I urge you to support them if you can. I’m sure it is what Bob intended when he chose Number Ten gallery to show some of his latest and never seen before works”.

This sentiment was reiterated by Mayor for Rochdale, Zulfiquar Ali who, expressing his support at the preview, he said: “This is most encouraging: anything like this that can bring in people from outside into Rochdale centre and promote the cultural heritage of the town must be a good thing.”

The exhibition runs until January 28 2011.