Ref: PR2197
Date: 24/04/09

Pontefract history, especially liquorice, will be the theme of a new craft exhibition that's sure to pull in the crowds at Pontefract Museum over the summer.

Mosaics opens on June 13 and will feature fantastic mosaic images submitted from artists across the world.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council's Deputy Leader with responsibility for culture and tourism said: "This is an important exhibition is the perfect setting of Pontefract Museum, which has its own lovely mosaic floor.

"We hope people will come to see the show and at the same time see what else we have to offer in Pontefract, like the castle and liquorice festival."

The exhibition has been organised by Northern Lights, a group of local artists who are members of the British Association for Modern Mosaics (BAMM), led locally by Castleford-based Julie Hand. It runs until September 12 and will cover the annual Pontefract Liquorice Festival.

The museum itself features a stunning art nouveau mosaic which is on the floor of the entrance hall and it will be cleared as much as possible to show it to its best advantage.

The exhibition will be made up of new pieces, all in two small formats. The theme is Pontefract history in general and liquorice in particular.

Artists are currently at work on the pieces they want to show and although the association is based in Britain, entries from as far afield as Mexico, Russia and Spain are expected to be submitted for display.

During the exhibition the group will be demonstrating their craft in the entrance hall and is producing a catalogue. Museum staff are producing a hand out for visitors which lists where other mosaics are on display in the district and where Roman mosaics can be viewed in Yorkshire.

For further information on Mosaics and other exhibitions and events across the Wakefield district visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk  - see related links.