Famous artist George Bissill’s creations will be  exhibited in Derbyshire town where he showed his early work

From the Pits to Paris display showcases the work of Bissell, who had strong links to the Ilkeston area, and who was known for his landscapes and figurative paintings and woodcuts. Some of his artworks are held by prominent public galleries, including the Tate.

The museum’s Lally Gallery pays tribute to the artist, who was sent down the mines at Langley Mill when he was 13 and who began displaying his early work with Ilkeston Arts Club. He eventually rose to celebrated artistic heights in Paris.

The exhibition includes work held by Erewash Museum and items from private collections including his original miners’ paintings, woodcuts, sketches and the original drawing of the lost Heanor School Mural - which Bissill created but was then destroyed in 1928 on the grounds of indecency.

Erewash Borough Council’s lead member for community engagement, Councillor Val Clare, said: “We expect this exhibition to be extremely popular and it is a major coup for our award-winning museum. It is a fascinating journey through the works and life of this incredibly talented artist. We have lots to offer at Erewash Museum but to be able to showcase the works of George Bissill is a stunning boost.”

From the Pits to Paris: the works of George Bissill opens in the Lally Gallery at Erewash Museum on September 1 and runs until November 19, 2021.