This prestigious collection was donated to the people of Walsall in 1973 by Kathleen Garman. Kathleen had grown up in Wednesbury, lived her adult life in London, but wanted to give something back to her home county, believing it was important for culture to exist outside of the capital.
Over the last year, members of the Gallery’s youth panel have developed a collaborative exhibition exploring the concept of ‘joy’. The project provides an opportunity for under 25s to develop in confidence, build social skills, learn about positive mental health and gain useful work experience, working as part of our Collections Youth Panel.
“During the pandemic I lost my Dad, and as a result my trips back home to the West Midlands became far more frequent. It was this continuing return to my original home, contemplating and experiencing this embodied landscape that initiated a new direction in my work“ – Suzanne Holtom
A series of works by artist Hannah Maybank. The Gallery’s Garman Ryan Collection has had a pivotal influence on her development as an artist.