Beryl Cook's colourful paintings have long been dismissed as mere kitsch, but a major retrospective of her work opening in Plymouth next weekend is set to prove that she was a serious and significant artist. The Pride and Joy show features over 80 paintings, alongside sculptures, textiles, and access to Cook's personal archive of photographs, sketches, and correspondence.
Curator Terah Walkup says that Cook wasn't painting caricatures, but rather documenting communities and identities that were actively marginalised with affection, mastery, and honesty. Her work from the 1970s to 2000s captures working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture.
A little-known 1972 painting called Bar Girls features two women enjoying a full pint and each other's company, celebrating their occupation of space unapologetically. Cook's meticulous methods of working are revealed in the exhibition, which also highlights her influences and impact, ranging from saucy seaside postcards to the work of Amedeo Modigliani and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
The show comes at an apt time, with 2026 marking the centenary of Cook's birth and Plymouth bidding to become the UK city of culture. Jemima Laing, the deputy leader of Plymouth city council, says that Cook put the place on the cultural map, painting its sailors, shoppers, pubs, and people with warmth, humour, and genuine affection.
Larger-than-life sculptures of some of Cook's characters will be popping up across the city, and writer Julian Spalding describes her as "one of the glories of British painting, a modern William Hogarth and Thomas Rowlandson rolled into one." Cook's joy was driven to create, she once said.
Curator Terah Walkup says that Cook wasn't painting caricatures, but rather documenting communities and identities that were actively marginalised with affection, mastery, and honesty. Her work from the 1970s to 2000s captures working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture.
A little-known 1972 painting called Bar Girls features two women enjoying a full pint and each other's company, celebrating their occupation of space unapologetically. Cook's meticulous methods of working are revealed in the exhibition, which also highlights her influences and impact, ranging from saucy seaside postcards to the work of Amedeo Modigliani and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
The show comes at an apt time, with 2026 marking the centenary of Cook's birth and Plymouth bidding to become the UK city of culture. Jemima Laing, the deputy leader of Plymouth city council, says that Cook put the place on the cultural map, painting its sailors, shoppers, pubs, and people with warmth, humour, and genuine affection.
Larger-than-life sculptures of some of Cook's characters will be popping up across the city, and writer Julian Spalding describes her as "one of the glories of British painting, a modern William Hogarth and Thomas Rowlandson rolled into one." Cook's joy was driven to create, she once said.
! I just read about this amazing retrospective for Beryl Cook and I'm DYING 
! Did u know that her work from the 70s-2000s is actually documenting marginalized communities with LOVE & HONESTY 
?! Like, can u even imagine a time when artists were creating art that celebrated marginalized groups? 
! They're featuring over 80 paintings, sculptures, textiles, and even Cook's personal archive 
. And the curator Terah Walkup says that Cook wasn't painting caricatures, but actual portraits of people who were marginalized 
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Celebrating queer culture and body positivity! 
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(source: ArtNet). And here's a fun fact: she was influenced by seaside postcards and Amedeo Modigliani & Pieter Bruegel the Elder 
! I've always felt like her work is underrated, but now it's time to shine a light on the genius of this British artist 
. And the way her work spans decades and explores themes like body positivity and queer culture is just incredible 
. The city is already buzzing about the larger-than-life sculptures popping up across town... I'm defo planning a visit ASAP 
I'm so excited for this retrospective! I've always thought Beryl Cook's work was awesome, but now I can see why it was underrated. Her art is all about celebrating the everyday people and communities that are often overlooked. That painting of bar girls sounds like a total game-changer 
. I'm loving the idea of larger-than-life sculptures popping up around Plymouth - it sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate this incredible artist's legacy 
. I mean, who knew her paintings weren't just silly kitsch but actual powerful art? 
it's like a party on canvas! I'm so down to see these larger-than-life sculptures popping up around Plymouth too 
. It's all about celebrating life, joy, and women's contributions to art 
! I've always loved how her paintings are all about celebrating community and individuality, you know? Like, she wasn't just painting fluffy unicorns, but actually capturing the beauty in everyday people and their stories 
! I'm also stoked to see her personal archive on display - it'll be so cool to get a glimpse into her creative process and inspirations 
. This exhibition is gonna be HUGE for Plymouth's cultural scene, and I'm here for it 
! It's about time someone gave her the recognition she deserved. Her work is like a breath of fresh air - unapologetic and full of life 
. Cook's art is more than just a reflection of the past - it's a celebration of human joy and resilience 
She wasn't just painting cute scenes, she was documenting real lives and stories that needed to be told 
. I mean, her paintings aren't just colorful and fun, they're actually really thoughtful and nuanced. She was documenting these marginalized communities with love and respect, which is totally refreshing.
I mean, can you believe Beryl Cook was getting dissed for so long? Like, her work is actually pretty deep! 
I'm excited to see this retrospective in Plymouth - it'll be sick to see all that art and history in one place. The fact that she's capturing working-class joy and queer culture on canvas is really inspiring.