The Burton at Bideford is pleased to announce that Dead Dad Book, an award-winning exhibition by Vicky Lindo and Bill Brookes will be coming home to the Burton this December. Winner of the 2019 British Ceramics Biennial headlining exhibition AWARD, we are delighted to be exhibiting the work in their hometown of Bideford.

The stunning project is a touching personal story about Vicky’s dad’s life and The Dead Dad Book was a diary kept by Vicky’s mum and sisters about the journey they took to Ireland to visit their dad’s grave and find out what had happened to him in the years he’d been missing.

Speaking about the story behind the exhibition, Vicky Lindo says:

‘My dad died when I was 16 years old, not that I or my family knew anything about it. We had not heard from him in years, one day he had just disappeared and we never saw him again. Seven years after his death my eldest sister discovered where he had been.
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to show the Dead Dad Book at the Burton. The RJ Lloyd collection inspired me to start making ceramics and now with the help of my partner Bill we make ceramics all the time. What better place to show these pots, in a place that I know so well that has had and continues to inspire the work we create.’

Vicky, a former Burton at Bideford museum assistant set up the Pigeon Club with her partner William Brookes in 2013, their plan was to make ceramic objects alongside working in their ‘normal’ jobs. Neither had studied ceramics seriously but Vicky became obsessed by a collection of North Devon slipware held at The Burton Art Gallery and Museum. Since 2015 both left their jobs to work at the studio full time creating highly decorative pieces which tell stories, inspired by ceramics and artefacts from the past.

Principal of the Burton at Bideford Ian Danby says:

‘It is a considerable achievement that these artists from Bideford have been recognised nationally with this award. Vicky, ex-member of staff from the Burton, drew some inspiration from the collections here, so we are delighted and proud to be able to show the work in a homecoming celebration.’

Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Burton hosting Dead Dad Book in Vicky Lindo and William Brookes’ hometown of Bideford. We’re pleased to support the Burton at Bideford through our National Portfolio funding for 2018-22. The exhibition’s nationally-recognised success at the 2019 British Ceramics Biennial is testament to Vicky’s incredible ability to engage with important social issues through art. Support for Dead Dad Book was made possible thanks to National Lottery Project Grants.”

Keep an eye on the Burton at Bideford website and social media for more details coming soon on the exhibition.