Canals, Kilns and Characters: Maurice Wade and Arthur Berry

An Exhibition of Paintings
17 October 2025 – 18 January 2026
Chancellor’s Building, Keele University

Step into the evocative worlds of Maurice Wade and Arthur Berry—two artists whose work captures the spirit, grit, and beauty of the industrial North.
Canals, Kilns and Characters brings together a remarkable collection of paintings that celebrate the landscapes, waterways, and people of the Potteries.

Maurice Wade: Maurice Wade’s paintings are quiet yet powerful meditations on the industrial landscape. His work captures the stillness of canals, the geometry of factories, and the subtle drama of light and shadow. Wade’s restrained palette and precise compositions evoke a sense of solitude and dignity, reflecting the enduring presence of industry in the British landscape.

Known for his atmospheric depictions of canals and industrial scenes, Wade’s paintings are rich with mood and memory.

Arthur Berry: Arthur Berry was a painter, poet, and playwright whose art is deeply rooted in the life and character of the Potteries. His expressive style and earthy tones bring to life the people and places of working-class Stoke-on-Trent. Berry’s portraits and street scenes are rich with humour, pathos, and affection—celebrating the grit and grace of everyday life.

A poet of the everyday, Berry’s expressive portraits and urban landscapes reveal the character and humour of working-class life.

Why Visit?

• Discover rarely seen works from two iconic Northern artists
• Explore the history and culture of the region through art
• Perfect for art lovers, students, and anyone interested in local heritage

Exhibition Details

• Dates: 17 October 2025 – 19 January 2026
• Venue: Chancellor’s Building, Keele University
• Admission: Free and open to all

GALLERY OPEN HOURS: 
Monday - Friday, 9am - 8pm 
Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 5pm 

PARKING & HOW TO FIND US: Parking is free on campus after 5pm on a weekday and during the weekend. During a week day parking is limited on campus and restricted to P&D parking located outside the Student Union building during the daytime (until 5pm).  
Campus map here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/howtofindus/maps/keele-campus-map.pdf  
The gallery is located in Building 54 on this map, the car park is C3 during the evening and at weekends and and P&D during weekdays.  

ACCESS: Chancellor's Building is fully accessible. There are a number of disabled parking bays in close proximity on C3 car park. There is ramped and flat access from the car park. Chancellor's Building is busy teaching building on campus during a weekday; if you prefer a quieter time to visit we suggest after 5pm on a weekday or going along on the weekend. 

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