City to host Cook retrospective

Cook painted women she saw in her local pub

Plymouth is to host a major retrospective exhibition of the work of the late artist Beryl Cook.

Cook, known for her colourful and comic paintings of larger-than-life ladies, died earlier this year aged 81.

Organised by Peninsula Arts, the exhibition will run from 8 November to 20 December at the University of Plymouth's Roland Levinsky Building.

It will feature more than 70 exhibits, including many rarely seen pieces, as well as her best-known works.

The event is supported by Beryl's husband, John Cook, and her friends, who have loaned the university some rarely seen works, including personal portraits and several three-dimensional pieces such as chairs Beryl painted and dolls she made.

Cook spent the last few months of her life in Plymouth planning the major retrospective of her work which will now double as a celebration of her life as well as her work.

Simon Ible, director of Peninsula Arts, said: "We are delighted and honoured to bring this important exhibition to the public in the city that was Beryl's home for 40 years.

Cook was made an OBE in 1995

"Most people are familiar with Beryl's larger-than-life depictions of men and women going about their daily lives, portrayed with her unmistakable humour and charm.

"It is a celebration of her artistic achievement, which won her millions of fans around the world."

Cook was born in Surrey in 1926, but had lived in Plymouth for more than 25 years.

The large, fun-loving characters featured in her work were largely inspired by people in the city's pubs.

And it was in Plymouth where her talent was first noted.

Despite being largely snubbed by the art establishment, Cook's work became well-loved by the general public following a South Bank Show about her in 1979.