Selected prints, photographs, paintings, sculpture and textiles from the 1960s to 1990s
10th May 2025 to 17th April 2026
Drumcroon Education Arts Centre opened in 1980 in an old doctor’s surgery building (which had the name 'Drumcroon' already carved in stone at the entrance) on Parson’s Walk, Wigan. It gained national acclaim for work in visual arts education and was a pioneer in placing artists in schools, enabling young people in the borough to experience at first hand the work of professional artists.
Part of its mission was to give local children access to original artworks by a range of artists. The Drumcroon Collection includes prints, paintings, drawings, textiles and objects purchased from or donated by many artists over the years. The collection of over 1000 items includes works by some established British artists, including Patrick Heron, Victor Pasmore, Amanda Faulkner, Michael Rothenstein, Barbara Rae, Patrick Caulfield, Eduardo Paolozzi, Kevin Dalton-Johnson and many more, as well as craft objects from across the world.
After the centre closed in 2011, its collection of artworks and books were placed in storage, with some seeing the light of day in occasional temporary displays.
From May 2025 to April 2026, The Turnpike Gallery showcased the most significant exhibition to date of over 50 works from the collection. Alongside this, a specially built open-access storage area was unveiled featuring reframed works which are part of a revived schools’ loan scheme.
The loan scheme now enables artworks going out to local schools, giving pupils the chance to get up close to original works of art. Children and young people of the borough have access once more to the resource which for decades inspired artists, teachers and students in Wigan, Leigh and beyond.
From September to October 2025, 10 young people from our Creative Community worked with artist Jamie-Lee Wainman and assistant curator Rachel Morgan to select additional artworks from the Drumcroon Collection. They replaced 15 prints from the first iteration (May to October 2025), with sculpture, textiles and prints, bringing a different perspective on the collection and revealing a new set of voices.
Pride by Kevin Dalton-Johnson
"I'm proud to have worked with Rachel Morgan and the fantastic Young Curators at the Turnpike, Leigh. I shared my experiences as a Black British artist and curator, and together we explored how art and exhibitions can challenge stereotypes and amplify new voices. Inspiring to see young people shaping what galleries can be for their own community! Thanks to all involved."
- Kevin Dalton-Johnson.
To view the first iteration of the exhibition, take a look at our virtual tour below, courtesy of David Hunter.