Culcheth-born fashion illustrator Tony Green is returning to familiar territory with Scribble, a playful new exhibition at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery. It runs from Friday, September 29, until Sunday, January 14, and is free to view, which is excellent news for anyone who enjoys culture without having to negotiate a small mortgage at the door.
Tony, who lives in Culcheth, graduated from Central Saint Martins London in 2010. He was guided by tutor Howard Tangye, an influential figure in fashion for decades, before landing the sort of opportunity most emerging artists would frame on the wall: designing collections, prints and research concepts for Parisian fashion house Sonia Rykiel.
Since then, his work has appeared in World of Interiors and Vogue, while collaborations with L'Oréal and Selfridges have seen him create illustrations for Jacquemus, Prada and Adidas. More recently, Tony has worked with luxury lifestyle brand House of Hackney, leather specialists Smythson, whose customers include members of the Royal Family, and Urban Outfitters America, where his new print collection is being featured.
Scribble showcases Tony's playful, spontaneous and energetic style, which has been turning heads in the fashion world for more than a decade. It sounds considerably more lively than the sort of artwork that sits quietly in a frame pretending not to judge your outfit.
Despite the international work, Tony has kept a strong connection with his hometown. He can often be found at Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces: Warrington, the former M&S on Sankey Street, where he has a studio space. Last year, he hosted an abstract fashion illustration workshop for Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival and contributed to Warrington Museum's Dividing Lines, a collaborative exhibition featuring eight artists from different disciplines.
Tony said: “It’s great having the art gallery space at Warrington Museum to present my new solo show, especially with it being in my hometown. It’s a fabulous space to connect with people and share my new concepts.”
That local connection is the real charm here. Tony has built an impressive international career, but instead of keeping the glamour confined to Paris, Vogue and luxury brands, he is bringing it back to Warrington and Culcheth. The exhibition offers a welcome reminder that world-class creative talent can come from just down the road, even if the road occasionally has traffic cones on it.
Tony Green: Scribble is at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery from September 29 to January 14. Admission is free.