THE FRUITS of people’ labours during the lockdown periods while they lived with cancer are now on show at a Stalybridge exhibition.
The town’s Astley Cheetham Art Gallery features paintings, photographs, sculpture and beadwork from a number of different people, who either battled the condition themselves or who were alongside loved ones.
Linda Yarwood, Andy Leah and Malcom Wallington all contributed as paintings of different locations around the country, including Tameside, feature, as well as a series of photos by Derrick Evans, who is behind the Cancer Warriors charity and whose idea the display is.
Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Janet Cooper, formally opened the exhibition while Cllrs Dave Sweeton, Leanne Feeley and Eleanor Wills also attended.
“During lockdown we found a lot of beauty in the places where we live that are just around the corner and it inspired a lot of creativity for all of us,” Cllr Cooper said.
“The pandemic has had a profound effect on all of us and we have been living with it now for two years and there isn’t anyone who hasn’t been touched by the isolation.
“But there is beauty everywhere we go and the one thing I think we have come to appreciate more is where we live and how beautiful it is – the inspiration for many of the works themselves.”
And it is proving a hit as it is at the Trinity Street venue until Saturday, March 5.
Derrick said: “People affected by cancer lost a lot of the support around them during the lockdowns.
“They feel a sense of isolation when they receive a cancer diagnosis and those feelings have been exacerbated by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
“Being creative has given people an outlet with something positive and tangible to focus on.
“I’ve been amazed by the artistic skills of people and wanted to showcase it in our community through the exhibition.”
Admission to the gallery is free and Cancer Warriors, which has a recently-opened hub on Melbourne Street, will be auctioning off their artworks at the end of the exhibition.