Get ready for an exciting exhibition at Southend’s Beecroft Gallery featuring the incredible works of Alan Sorrell starting February 2025
Southend: The Beecroft Gallery is gearing up for a fantastic exhibition called “Alan Sorrell: Nubia,” kicking off on February 1, 2025. And guess what? It’s free!
This show will highlight Sorrell’s amazing 1962 work for The London Illustrated News, showcasing archaeological wonders from Nubia, which is in Southern Egypt and Northern Sudan.
Alan Sorrell, who was born in Tooting but moved to Southend when he was just two, is famous for his historical and archaeological illustrations. His art has really made a mark in these areas.
The exhibition will be the first big showcase of his rare Nubian pieces in over 25 years. These artworks capture stunning sites like Abu Simbel, especially important since many were at risk of being submerged due to the Aswan High Dam.
Sorrell’s artistic journey began at the Southend Municipal School of Art, where he honed his skills and earned a scholarship to the Royal College of Art.
During World War II, he served as an official war artist, creating pieces that documented the landscapes and experiences of the war.
After the war, he became well-known for his historical reconstructions, illustrating famous sites like Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall in great detail.
Matt Dent, the councillor in charge of culture, tourism, and business, shared, “Alan Sorrell is one of Southend’s most celebrated artistic figures. This exhibition is a wonderful chance to explore his incredible legacy.”
He added, “Sorrell’s art brings history to life in ways that few others can achieve. I encourage everyone to visit and rediscover his extraordinary work.”
The timing of this exhibition is perfect, as it coincides with Southend City Day on March 1, 2025, a celebration of the city’s rich heritage.
Councillor Dent also mentioned, “Sorrell’s remarkable career highlights the creativity and history that make Southend such a special place.”
The exhibition will run until June 14, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to check it out!
