Courtesy City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
If you were into music in the 1980s and 90s and a fan of politico-punks New Model Army you might want to pull on your old para boots, dust down your celtic knotwork tattoos and get down to Cartwright Hall in Bradford.
Until January 30, 2005 an exhibition called One Family, One Tribe covers the history and art of the cult Bradford band and features a selection of paintings photographs and other objects that tell of a long and successful career.
The show has been put together by guest curator Nina Baptiste and Bradford author, poet and artist Joolz Denby.
Joolz is well placed to curate the show, because as well as being an internationally respected and award winning author, poet and spoken word artist she is also responsible for much of the band’s artwork. Many of her items are on display.
'Art and Artefact'. Picture courtesy City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
For staff at the Museum the exhibition has proved to be something of an eye opener and, speaking to the 24 Hour Museum, Sonia Kielty explained how it has been among Cartwright Hall’s most popular shows in recent months.
"I’ve been here nine months and it’s one of the busiest," she said, adding that it has brought a different kind of visitor into the gallery: "it’s a whole new audience that might never normally go to a museum."
The exhibition features an array of original artwork. Picture courtesy City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
New Model Army are widely respected for their unwavering political stance and working-class ethics.
Named after the English revolutionary army of Oliver Cromwell they were put together by Justin Sullivan (aka Slade The Leveller) with bassist Stuart Morrow and drummer Robb Heaton in Bradford during the early eighties.
Although at their most popular in the mid to late eighties the band still gig regularly and have a staunch and loyal following.
Slade the Leveller gets down and dirty at Cartwright Hall. Picture courtesy City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
“This is the first time this unique archive has been brought together and put on show to the public and it really is a must see for fans of the band,” added Sonja. “Anyone interested in music will also find it fascinating, as it highlights how art and music can unite people of different backgrounds and cultures.”
Also on show are backdrops, rough lyric originals, old instruments, t-shirt designs, music and DVDs.
There are also limited edition t-shirts on sale at the gallery and the gallery shop has something of a gig merchandise stall flavour, with a selection of NMA merchandise available for the duration.
