Championing Yorkshire’s art for a quarter of a century

From humble beginnings in 1987, the Great Sheffield Art Show has become one of the biggest institutions of its kind in the country and has seen founder Isabel Blincow awarded an MBE for her contribution to the arts.

The event has provided a springboard for new artists, selling hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of work on their behalf and helping many to turn professional and enjoy glittering careers.

Mike Fearne, one of the event’s co-organisers, said: “There is no highbrow attitude at the event.

“Professional artists like Helen Parsley and Trevor Neal that have to thank the Great Sheffield Art Show for helping develop their own careers happily see their paintings hanging side by side with the scores of amateurs that are having their pictures exhibited in public for the first time ever.”

This year’s three-day exhibition promises to be the biggest in the event’s history, with more than 1,400 exhibits set to be showcased at the city’s Octagon Centre from June 29 to July 1.

“We’ve weathered the recession and found interest in the event at an all-time high. We’re expecting a big turn out once again,” said Mr Fearne.

For more information visit www.gsas.co.uk.