From Teesside docks to the Transatlantic seas, artist Mackenzie Thorpe takes exhibition to New York on board Queen Mary 2
Mackenzie Thorpe will set sail to New York in August exhibiting a collection with Clarendon Fine Art Gallery on board Cunard’s illustrious Queen Mary 2, as part of his 30th anniversary as an artist. The Transatlantic Crossing is a far cry from the shipyards of Middlesbrough where he worked as a young man before following his creative ambitions, going on to become one of the biggest selling British artists of the last 30 years.
Mackenzie’s working-class roots in the north of England inspire his atmospheric and poignant pictures which he’ll be showcasing on board. In his 30th year Mackenzie continues to blaze a trail for the artists who have followed him and for the exhibition will be bringing with him one of the largest collections of original artwork, limited editions and sculptures ever seen at sea.
The artist will follow in the footsteps of former presidents, astronauts and leading names from global politics and entertainment by speaking as part of the distinguished Cunard Insights lecture series during the voyage. Passengers can hear his uplifting story of triumph over adversity and find out about the universal themes of love and hope which are infused in his art. He will also be hosting a meet and greet event and giving passengers an insight into his inspirations and artistic process.
America was his home for a number of years at the start of the Millennium and his popularity from Florida to Hawaii endures to this day. The exhibition on the Queen Mary 2 reflects Mackenzie’s popularity on both sides of the pond, with collectors around the world from all walks of life, while celebrity collectors include JK Rowling, HM Queen Elizabeth II, and Tom Hardy.
Mackenzie Thorpe said:
“It’s so amazing to have an exhibition on the Queen Mary 2. I can’t believe that someone who began drawing the industrial ships going up and down the Tees as a child will have an exhibition on such an iconic ship, sailing across the atlantic into New York. Over the last 30 years I have been privileged to meet so many wonderful and lovely people and I hope to make new fans and meet old friends during the crossing. Wherever I exhibit it is always wonderful for me to see people instinctively connecting with my work, it is such a compliment and as I have never been on a cruise liner like this, it will be really interesting to see how this inspires me.”
As part of his 30th anniversary celebrations, Mackenzie has received a series of prominent honours and held exhibitions across the globe already in 2019. In April he unveiled a new sculpture at the iconic Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough to national acclaim, and in the same month he was made an honorary professor of arts at Seisa University in Japan and his home-town of Middlesbrough awarded him Freedom of the City.
Mackenzie has also been celebrated through the hills and dales of Yorkshire where he made his name, with his artworks presented to a global audience as official artist for Tour de Yorkshire 2019 and Welcome to Yorkshire Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
