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‘For the Love of Theatre’ – A New 2025 Exhibition at 108 Fine Art Gallery, Harrogate
We are delighted to present For the Love of Theatre at 108 Fine Art Gallery in Harrogate, exhibiting the work of Joash Woodrow. Running from Saturday 15th February to Friday 21st March 2025, this exhibition brings together a collection of paintings, drawings, and portraits that capture the vibrancy and atmosphere of theatre and performance.
Joash Woodrow and Theatre
Joash Woodrow (1927–2006) was a highly original artist whose work explored human interaction in social spaces. Though naturally introverted, he often visited theatres and bars, both alone and with family, drawing inspiration from the entertainment venues of Leeds. His expressive brushwork, bold compositions, and distinctive use of colour offer a compelling perspective on theatre – not just as performance, but as a rich, atmospheric experience shaped by those in the room. Alongside these theatrical scenes, Woodrow’s portraits provide further insight into his fascination with character, expression, and the human form.
After studying at the Royal College of Art in the early 1950s, Woodrow withdrew from the public eye, dedicating himself entirely to painting at the family home in North Leeds. Over decades of solitude, he built an extraordinary body of work. A bizarre series of events later led to the rediscovery of his life’s work – now considered by many to be one of the most significant and visionary contributions to British post-war art.
This exhibition includes works from the Joash Woodrow archive at 108 Fine Art, with some pieces being exhibited for the first time.
Catalogue of Available Works
A selection of works from the exhibition will be available for purchase, including paintings, drawings, and portraits. The full catalogue provides an overview of some of these pieces.
Visit Us in Harrogate
The exhibition will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm, at 108 Fine Art Gallery in Harrogate. Private viewings are available by appointment.
For more information or to schedule a viewing, please contact us at exhibitions@108fineart.com or call 01423 709108.
We look forward to welcoming you to For the Love of Theatre and sharing the work of Joash Woodrow.