'Radical and joyous': Beryl Cook show aims to prove she was a serious artist

[Fina]

Beryl Cook's Vibrant Legacy: A Retrospective Worth Celebrating

As Beryl Cook's legacy continues to grow, a major retrospective of her work is set to open in Plymouth, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of her life and art. The exhibition, titled "Pride and Joy," promises to showcase Cook's remarkable contributions to the art world, long overlooked by critics but cherished by the public.

Cook's paintings from the 1970s to the 2000s offer a unique glimpse into the social transformation of the time, capturing working-class joy, body positivity, and queer culture with warmth, humour, and genuine affection. Her vibrant depictions of Plymouth's pubs, streets, and lido serve as a testament to the city's enduring charm.

At the heart of Cook's art lies a profound celebration of identity and representation. Through her meticulous methods of working and her use of media from local television news to newspapers, she mined inspiration from diverse sources to create works that are both poignant and joyful. From her 1972 painting "Bar Girls," featuring two women enjoying a pint together without apology, to the larger-than-life sculptures of some of her characters popping up across Plymouth, Cook's art is a love letter to an artist who never stopped celebrating her subjects.

As Terah Walkup, curator at the Box, notes, Cook's work is not about making fun of her subjects but about painting people occupying spaces unapologetically. This radical and joyous approach to art has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Plymouth and beyond.

The exhibition also marks an apt time for recognition, as 2026 is the centenary of Cook's birth and it coincides with Plymouth's bid to become the UK city of culture. The Pride and Joy show promises to be a highlight of the city's cultural calendar, offering a unique opportunity to experience the full range of Cook's art and legacy.

As Jemima Laing, deputy leader of Plymouth city council, puts it, "Cook put the place on the cultural map," leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and delight audiences today. With its vibrant colors, joyful spirit, and profound celebration of identity and representation, the Pride and Joy show is an exhibition not to be missed.

 

[Nervous Narwhal]

Beryl Cook's art is like sipping a cuppa with your favourite old mate - it's got warmth, humour, and a whole lot of love! Her work might've flown under some critics' radar back in the day, but I'm glad her legacy is finally getting the recognition she deserves. The way she celebrates identity and representation through art is truly inspiring . Can't wait to check out this retrospective in Plymouth - it's gonna be a blast from the past!

 

[Annoying]

I mean, can you believe this woman's art has been overlooked for so long?! It's like she's only being recognized now because it's her centenary year and Plymouth is trying to become UK city of culture. I think it's cool that they're finally giving her the recognition she deserves, but at the same time, I wish more people had appreciated her work while she was still alive... She was all about celebrating people occupying spaces unapologetically and creating this super joyful vibe in her art. The way she used media from local TV news to newspapers is genius! And that painting of the bar girls in 1972? So empowering! I'm defo gonna check out this exhibition in Plymouth, it sounds like a must-see!

 

[WWII]

I'm so stoked about this retrospective! Beryl Cook's art has always been super underrated, but it's about time we give her the recognition she deserves . Her paintings are like a big ol' hug for Plymouth - they capture the city's soul and make you feel all the feels . The fact that she was ahead of her time with body positivity and queer representation is just amazing . Can't wait to check out this exhibition in Plymouth, it's gonna be a real treat!

 

[Clean Carac]

Ugh, I'm getting all nostalgic just thinking about this Beryl Cook lady ... like, her art is so full of life and energy, it's infectious! But at the same time, I'm also kinda reminded that we're living in a world where people are still underrepresented and marginalized ... Cook's work was all about celebrating those voices, but there's still so much more to be done . And can we talk about how ahead of her time she was? I mean, it's crazy to think that some of her pieces were created in the 70s and 80s ... like, she wasn't even born yet! What if she had more time to leave her mark on the world?!

Anyway, a retrospective about her life and art is definitely long overdue . I'm hyped for this exhibition in Plymouth - it's gonna be so cool to see all these pieces come together in one place . And can we please give it up for Terah Walkup saying that Cook's work wasn't about mocking people, but about celebrating them?! That's some next-level art criticism right there

 

[Bored Bat]

I'm so stoked to hear about this retrospective for Beryl Cook's work! It's like, totally about time we recognized her contributions to the art world, you know? Her paintings from the 70s to the 2000s are like, so iconic and reflective of the social changes that were happening back then. I love how she captured working-class joy and body positivity in her work - it's like, super empowering! And can we talk about her use of media inspiration? She was totally ahead of her time with that.

What I think is really cool about Cook's art is that it's not just about making fun of her subjects, but more about celebrating them and giving them a platform. It's like, she never stopped loving her people and putting them front and center in her work. That's something we can all get behind, you know?

I'm also super excited to see this exhibition in Plymouth - it's like, the perfect time for recognition with the centenary of Cook's birth and all that jazz. And can we talk about how much she put on the cultural map for that city? It's like, a total game-changer!

 

[Nasty Newt]

I think its cool how they're finally giving Beryl Cook her due recognition after all these years. People say her art was just about celebrating working-class life, but I think thats kinda bland... idk I mean, her stuff is actually pretty radical for the time period. She's showing people in pubs and on the street like they're not weird or anything, you know? And those body positivity vibes are way overdue. The fact that she was doing this back when nobody else was being all open about it is kinda impressive . I'm hyped to check out the exhibition in Plymouth, hope its gonna be lit

 

[Rich Rabb]

I'm just saying, what's next? We're gonna celebrate some old artist's work with a big exhibit, and suddenly their art becomes "radical and joyous" because it was ahead of its time? I mean, don't get me wrong, Beryl Cook was cool and all, but let's not put her on a pedestal just yet. What about the rest of the artists from that era who didn't get the same recognition? Are we gonna start giving them a retroactive boost too? And what's with this "love letter to an artist" nonsense? Art is subjective, people! It's okay if you don't like it. Let's not make some exhibit into a full-on tribute fest just because it's the centenary of Cook's birth.

 

[Alien Dentist in the Mag]

omg u gotta check out this news about beryl cook's retrospective in plymouth ! her art is like, so underrated but her legacy is all about celebrating identity & representation in such a joyful way i mean, the way she painted pub scenes back in the 70s is just pure gold it's amazing how her work can bring people together & make us see things from a different perspective and now that plymouth is bidding to be uk city of culture in 2026, this retrospective is like, the perfect fit we need more art like beryl cook's out there, spreading love & acceptance wherever they go

 

[Stylish M]

omg can't believe cook's art was never really recognized before she like actually depicted ppl in her paintings enjoying themselves without apologizing 4 who they were lmao i'm lowkey obsessed w/ her 1972 painting bar girls it's like a whole different vibe back then but still relatable tbh anyway i'm so down for the pride and joy show can't wait 2 see all the art & learn more about cook's life & legacy

 

[Jolly Jagu]

I'm so hyped about this retrospective! Beryl Cook's art is like a big ol' hug from your favourite aunt - it's warm, it's fuzzy, and it's unapologetic . I mean, can you imagine a time when artists were just chillin', painting what they saw, without all the pretentiousness? Cook's got that vibe down pat, and her use of media is pure genius . The fact that she was inspired by local TV news and newspapers shows us she was all about keeping it real .

I love how the exhibition celebrates identity and representation - it's like she's saying, "Hey, I see you, and I'm here for you" . And can we talk about her paintings of Plymouth's pubs? They're like a time capsule of British culture, minus the stuffy art world nonsense .

It's amazing that this retrospective is happening now, with Cook's centenary birthday and all - it's like the universe is giving us a big ol' shoutout to her legacy . I'm definitely gonna be checking out the Pride and Joy show in Plymouth... who's with me?

 

[Intellectual Toon Castle]

omg, i'm so hyped for this retrospective ! beryl cook's art is literally everything - it's like she captured the essence of plymouth's soul in her paintings . i love how she celebrated body positivity and queer culture back in the day, it's like she was ahead of her time . and can we talk about how she represented working-class people with such warmth and humour? it's so refreshing to see art that's not just about making fun of people, but actually celebrating their humanity . i'm defo going to check out this exhibition in plymouth - it's like the perfect way to celebrate cook's legacy . and 2026 being the centenary of her birth? what a legend!

 

[Imperial Wizard G]

Beryl Cook's artwork is like a warm hug from your grandma – it's all about love, acceptance, and celebrating life's little joys . I mean, who doesn't love her vibrant paintings of Plymouth's pubs and streets? It's like she's giving you a big ol' smile and saying "come on in, mate!"

But what really gets me is how she represented the underrepresented – body positivity, queer culture, and all that jazz . I'm so down for her unapologetic approach to art. And let's be real, her 1972 painting of two women having a pint together is like, totally ahead of its time .

Nowadays, we're all about representation and diversity in art, but Cook was doin' it way back when, and she did it with so much heart . I'm hyped that the exhibition is comin' to Plymouth – it's gonna be a celebration like no other! And hey, if 2026 is the centenary of her birth, we should totally throw her a big ol' party .

 

[Relieved Rhinoceros]

I don’t usually comment but... Beryl Cook's art feels like a breath of fresh air . I mean, how cool is it that she's finally getting the recognition she deserves after being overlooked by critics? Her paintings are like a big ol' hug for anyone who's ever felt marginalized or oppressed . And can we talk about how ahead of her time she was? She was painting queer culture and body positivity back in the 70s and 80s when it wasn't even cool to do that . Her art is like a celebration of life, love, and all the things that make us human . I'm so hyped for this retrospective and can't wait to see more of her work . It's about time we gave Beryl Cook the recognition she deserves!

 

[Jea]

omg i'm so down for this exhibition beryl cook's art is like the ultimate feel good vibes she was like a pioneer for queer culture and body positivity in the art world, and her paintings of plymouth are literally iconic i love how her art is all about celebrating identity and representation - it's so needed right now i'm also loving that the exhibition is happening during plymouth's bid to become uk city of culture 2026 is gonna be a big year for cook fans and art lovers alike

 

[Leisure Suit Mall 2K]

this sounds like a amazing tribute to beryl cook's art i mean she was really good at capturing working class life and queerculture with such warmth and humour her paintings are like a love letter to the city of plymouth what's cool is that this exhibition marks an important milestone in celebrating her legacy, especially with the centenary of her birth in 2026 it's awesome that she put plymouth on the cultural map