A major retrospective of Beryl Cook's work opening in Plymouth next weekend aims to establish her as a serious artist who chronicled social transformation. The exhibition, titled 'Pride and Joy', features over 80 paintings alongside sculptures, textiles, and personal archive materials.
Curator Terah Walkup said Cook documented communities that were marginalised with affection and honesty, capturing working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture. The show includes a little-known 1972 painting called 'Bar Girls', depicting two women with pints of beer, highlighting how Cook celebrated subjects occupying spaces unapologetically.
The exhibition also reveals Cook's meticulous methods, including how she mined local media for inspiration. A section on influences shows her drawing from seaside postcards to artists like Modigliani and Bruegel.
Jemima Laing, deputy leader of Plymouth city council, said Cook put the city on the cultural map, painting its sailors, shoppers, and pubs with warmth and humour. Larger-than-life sculptures of her characters will appear across the city as a tribute.
Writer Julian Spalding called Cook one of the glories of British painting, comparing her to Hogarth and Rowlandson. The retrospective runs from 24 January to 31 May 2026 at the Box in Plymouth.
