New Alston Emery Art Trail in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Residents and visitors are invited to walk in the footsteps of acclaimed Newcastle-under-Lyme artist Alston Emery along a one mile, town centre route.

The Alston Emery Art Trail, devised by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, aims to
guide walkers from the house owned by Alston to various locations where he painted in the decades before his death in 1993.

In addition to standing in the same spot as the great water colourist, avid art fans will walk past historic town centre buildings, art galleries, coffee shops and Newcastle’s independent traders. The one-hour walk ends at the Brampton Museum where five original paintings can be viewed by arrangement.

The artist also known as Alston E.F.Emery, was born in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent in 1913
and lived in Marsh Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme until his death. He Studied at
the Burslem School of Art and went on to be a well-known Staffordshire artist in watercolour and acclaimed art teacher. He was a member of the Staffordshire Society of Artists and exhibited in the 1960 Jubilee Exhibition at the Stoke-on-Trent Museum and Art gallery (rebranded in 1956). In 1978 Alston wrote that he was, “a regular exhibitor at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour and their touring exhibitions.” He exhibited at The Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Institute of Painters touring exhibitions and several regional galleries, with many successful one-man shows at what is now Staffordshire University, Keele University and at local galleries.

Cllr. Mark Holland, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “We are very fortunate to have had such a renowned artist living and working in our borough. Our cultural history and historical buildings are an important part of our heritage. We look
to raise awareness in many ways such as this, our first art trail, and at the Brampton
Museum and Gallery with its fantastic displays. The trail goes through the town centre where I hope that businesses and our many independent traders will benefit from the increase in visitors.”

The Alston Emery Art Trail is available from the Brampton Museum and Art Gallery website at https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/bramptonmuseum/whats-on

Parking locations, the art trail and images of Alston’s watercolours are included and can also be displayed on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet in high definition.

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