Celebrating the life of a local artist

Chris Smith

02 April 2009

AN exhibition of the work of local artist, designer and photographer Alec Riddett,is taking place on what would have been his 80th birthday.

The event takes place Saturday, April 11 at the Harborough Theatre in Market Harborough from 9am to 5pm and admission is free.

Alec’s career, which started with Kibworth display company Slater’s, encompassed work as a commercial graphic designer, photographer for the Harborough Mail, Leicester’s Phoenix and Haymarket theatres as well as many West End productions and culminated with his role of Lecturer at Loughborough College of Art where he became Head of Photography.

The term local artist was never more appropriate as he was always on hand to share his talents in the local community. The plaque in the front of the Old Grammar School is just one of the permanent examples of his illustrative work.

This tribute to Alec, who died last year, takes place, appropriately, in the Harborough Theatre, which could be described as his second home since moving to Great Bowden in the late 1950s. Serving as artistic director for 30 years, designing, building and painting scenery.

As well as a major role in revamping the theatre he still found time to perform in many productions, particularly several hilarious and memorable stints as a Brokers man in pantomime.

The exhibition showcases this extraordinarily creative man. Some of his artistry, photography, paintings and design give an insight to the innovation and diversity of his work.

His artistic work will be displayed in the theatre lounge and film archive material of Alec will be shown throughout the day in the auditorium, by kind permission of Peter Mitchell of Octagon Films.

Refreshments will be served all day.

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