All things Bright and Beautiful
An exhibition of Albert Irvin's paintings, The Storey Institute 18 January- 22 March 2003

Review by Susie Wood

One of Albert Irvin's stunning canvas on display at the Storey during January - March 2003 Click here (or the image above) for a larger image

January days can seem a relentless procession of grey skies, unforgiving winds and oppressive rain. It sometimes feels as if hibernation is the only viable option. However, there is an alternative on offer in Lancaster this winter.

Abstract expressionism is not everybody's cup of tea, but I defy even its harshest critic to remain dismal and un-cheered by the vibrancy of Albert Irvin's paintings. One of Britain's most respected abstract artists, his bold colours build up a patchwork of shapes, which seem to both capture and celebrate the complex joy and pain of living.

"Morning", one of the medium sized canvasses on show, is characteristic of Irvin's work. Bright, light colours marble a background warmed by dominant orange lines which to the spectator feels like opening the curtains onto a hope-filled spring morning.

Irvin's lush expressions of the human spirit stretch across the bland Victorian rooms of the only gallery in Lancaster that could hold them and, in doing so, make the best possible case for the preservation of the Storey as an exhibition space. Even the cold, marble statue of Queen Victoria, holding court at one end of the gallery, appears for once amused.