Award winning sculptor returns to Lancaster University for new exhibition

An award winning sculptor whose career began at Lancaster University will return there to exhibit his work.

Tony Heaton OBE's one-off exhibition 'Serial Dissenter' opens today (February 13) at the Peter Scott Gallery.

Heaton’s career began at Lancaster University in the 1980s and this new exhibition explores Lancaster Arts’ annual theme of dissent, and makes connections between sculpture, activism, dissent and protest, within the context of the Disability Arts Movement.

He is internationally known for both his sculpture and his activism, and his exhibition reveals his key influences and traces the ways in which dissent has been present throughout his sculptural practice.

The exhibition will feature early rebellious student works, many not seen by the public in decades, and some never seen but offering intriguing insights.

The exhibition spills out of the gallery into the Lancaster University Library atrium too where Heaton’s marble sculpture entitled ‘You Laugh’ has been installed.

Serial Dissenter, which is supported by the Henry Moore Foundation, opens up questions on what makes sculpture a particularly powerful artform in relation to the theme of dissent and explores the role of humour and irony in this, as well as situating Heaton in relation to his contemporaries.

“It’s fantastic to be back at Lancaster University, having studied here in the mid-80s," said Heaton.

"To be able to show work from those early days, as well as pieces from throughout my career, is really special.

"I’ve always been a bit of a dissenter and that was certainly the case while I was here, and it’s something I have continued with ever since in various ways through my work and activism so it’s wonderful to be able to explore the theme of dissent with Lancaster Arts.”

There will be two opportunities to hear from Heaton about his work, firstly as part of Lancaster Arts’ Artists in Conversation series, at 1pm in the Jack Hylton Room, situated next to the gallery, on Tuesday February 17.

Later that day, there will be a discussion on artistic practice and dissent entitled Serial Dissenters with artists Robert Williams and Steve Varden joining Heaton as well as the curator for this exhibition, Sarah Martin.

This will take place at 4pm and be followed by a drinks reception in the gallery. 

Heaton received an OBE in 2013 in recognition of over 40 years commitment to raising the profile of disability issues and disability arts.

In 2018 he received the award of Outstanding Alumnus at Lancaster University.

A brand-new publication to accompany the exhibition will be available for sale, and will illustrate Heaton’s life’s work over more than 35 years right up to recent months with his latest works, and includes contributions from the artist, as well as Lancaster Arts’ former curator Miranda Stearn, and Sarah Martin, the Curator for Serial Dissenter.

Jocelyn Cunningham, director of Lancaster Arts, said: “We are really proud to present this ambitious and unique exhibition at the Peter Scott Gallery, one with serious things to say but also one that will make you laugh.

"It is fantastic to be able to tell the story of an artist’s work that has come out of a life at the university and in this region and with someone who has made such a huge contribution to disability activism.”

Sarah Martin, curator for Serial Dissenter, said: “This exhibition really celebrates the breadth of Tony Heaton’s sculptural practice across a range of materials and media, from direct carving in wood and stone, to neon light, site-specific installation and performance.

"It traces a subversive through line in his art and shows how much of what was to come to fruition later in his career, has its roots in his powerful early works made at Lancaster University.”

Serial Dissenter runs from Friday February 13 to Friday March 27 in the Peter Scott Gallery, open weekdays 11am-5pm.

It is free to attend.

Anyone interested in booking for either of the free conversation events with Tony Heaton can do so at lancasterarts.org.