The Boy with a Leg Named Brian: Memoirs by Pete McKee at Weston Park Museum
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Weston Park Museum provides us with a dose of 70s nostalgia with the exhibition The Boy with a Leg Named Brian: Memoirs by Pete McKee.
McKee is one of Sheffield’s much loved artists and cartoonists, and this interactive exhibition captures the charm and playfulness of his work to take you on a journey through his childhood. You’ll see paintings, prints, sculpture and highlights of his long career, as well as artefacts and pop culture items such as clothes, games and music.
The artist’s recognisable style features subtle colours and charming scenes from daily life. His compositions capture football fans, bingo halls and interactions between school friends. The Boy with a Leg Named Brian specifically focuses on the story of his life, from the most personal experiences to cultural events and trends of the 70s and 80s.
McKee was born in Sheffield in 1966 and grew up on a council estate with his parents and three siblings. His mother passed away when McKee was only eight years old. His creative development started to manifest through music while also designing and creating art on a smaller scale before gaining more recognition and eventually starting to paint in 2004.
The show is split into five sections: The Castle Market Years explores Pete’s relationship with and memories of his mum; My Family & Other Animals records the period after her death, Acting the Goat moves away from family stories to focus on friends and other relationships; Rites of Passage honours the importance of music and fashion in McKee’s life; and My Sheffield celebrates the artist’s hometown.
For retro game fans, there’s a Space Invaders arcade classic that you can try, or make your own cartoon in the Cartoon Workshop. Book your free ticket now – check out the museum website for more information and bookings, but do book in advance to avoid disappointment as this is a popular show!
