Set up to show, ‘the best art of the day’, Grundy Art Gallery and its collection was established in 1911 via a financial gift and donation of over 30 paintings by local brothers John and Cuthbert Grundy. 2021 therefore marks the 110th Anniversary of the gallery opening its doors to the people of Blackpool and beyond and to celebrate this milestone, Grundy Art Gallery is planning an exciting programme of special exhibitions and events.
During construction, Blackpool’s coat of arms, which is emblazoned with the word ‘Progress’, was embedded into the brickwork above Grundy Art Gallery’s front door. Guided by this motto the gallery continues to honour its founding ethos by way of a year-round programme of high quality contemporary art exhibitions and events – and despite the ongoing challenges of COVID 19, 2021 will be no exception. Looking back into the past and forward into the future, Grundy Art Gallery’s 110th Anniversary activity will chart the important role that the gallery has played historically; while also demonstrating its commitment to remaining at the heart of Blackpool’s artistic life for many years to come.
In honour of the occasion, Grundy has commissioned a specially designed logo for use throughout our anniversary year. Marrying the past and present, the 110th Anniversary logo takes its inspiration from an ink stamp that was historically used to identify items brought into Grundy’s permanent collection whilst it also echoes Blackpool’s world famous sticks of rock. The logo will take on different colours throughout the year to mark different calendar dates of celebration and commemoration such as LGBT+ History Month and the International Day of People with Disabilities.