Exhibition puts names to faces

By Georgette Donoghue
Scarborough Museums Trust

Visitors will have chance to test out the theory that every picture tells a story

Have you ever found yourself wandering around an old house or art gallery and been captivated by a pair of eyes staring at you from a portrait that compelled you to ask "what stories have you got to tell?"

Well, if you have or even if you are just fascinated by some of the characters that have shaped Scarborough over the years, then there is a real treat in store for you at the town's art gallery.

Name to a Face started out as a simple portrait exhibition featuring many of the wonderful portraits in the Borough's collections that often don't get a showing; but it evolved into so much more.

It started as a simple portrait exhibiton but evolved into much more

This is the first exhibition that Jan Bee Brown, Curator at Scarborough Museums Trust, has taken control of since she joined the Trust in July, and she really didn't expect that her role would include private investigator:

"Like many people we were fascinated by the stories behind the portraits and we thought it would add depth to the exhibition if we could add a bit of personal history about some of the individuals featured.

"We'd also employed local artist Sarah J Venus to provide a contemporary illustration for some of the key portraits based on their individual backgrounds.

"Little did I know that this exhibition would involve me chasing around the borough interviewing descendants and raking around in skeleton stuffed closets.

The detective work revealed some unexpected twists and even a change of identity for the subject of one portrait.

Jan says: "One portrait is named as Elizabeth Darley in the latest Events and Exhibitions Guide for the Trust, because that is how she has always been known. On further investigation she actually turned out to be Isabel Darley and not Elizabeth at all!

Instead of a genteel lady we have a showgirl who marries a Lord

Instead of a genteel lady we have a showgirl who marries a Lord and runs off to Monte Carlo with the family silver!"

The exhibition runs from 3 October to 3 January and several events have been organised by the Museums Trust to complement it, including a photography workshop with top local photographer, Tony Bartholomew and several activities for children and families.

Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to test out the theory that every picture tells a story!

"It's amazing what you find out when you start digging" says Jan. "We are sure there are many more stories to tell about the characters on show in this exhibition. We would love to know if anyone has any further information; perhaps some of the descendants of our characters are still living locally?"

For more information visit the Scarborough Art Gallery website