Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Madonna

Like a Virgin

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate hotel's loos inspire artists' exhibition

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 14:13

The comic artwork will be on display at the Mercer Gallery until March.

An exciting new exhibition which flushes away the norms of traditional art is being showcased in Harrogate.

‘Secrets of the Majestic’, an 88-page comic book anthology of stories, was inspired by the famously lavish restrooms of the Majestic Hotel, a space that has intrigued visitors for many years.

Hosted by the Mercer Art Gallery, the event which opened on November 15th and runs until March 2025, aims to reach a wider audience and attract new visitors to the venue.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“Who would have thought that a grand set of hotel toilets could spark such creativity?

"It is this quirky, unexpected angle that makes it an exciting exhibition and as such we hope to not only appeal to traditional art lovers but also comic art fans opening our doors to a broader audience.”

The exhibition is being hosted in partnership with the Thought Bubble Festival convention, which is the UK’s largest comic art festival and draws 15,000 visitors and more than 500 artists to the town each year.

Research from the Comics Culture Impact Collective shows that comic art attracts a wider audience with a higher percentage of ethnic minority and neurodivergent voices among both its creators and readers.

During past annual convention parties, held in the Majestic Hotel, the anthology editor Chris Mole and fellow artists were inspired by the public toilets, leading to the creation of the anthology of short stories examining this remarkable restroom.

Mr Mole said:

“After several years of mucking around taking pictures in the toilets, I decided the time was right to put together an anthology of stories exploring why the toilets are like that.

“This is the result, a collection of short stories which explore various explanations and theories for such an opulent porcelain palace, from horror to action to science fiction and fantasy.”

For more information on the Secrets of the Majestic exhibition, visit https://visitharrogate.co.uk/business-directory/mercer-art-gallery

More from Local News

Harrogate MP steps up campaign to save Rotary Wood

Harrogate's MP is stepping up his campaign to ‘protect Rotary Wood’ amid Harrogate Spring Water’s proposed expansion.
Inspectors full of praise for Harrogate primary school

A Harrogate primary school has been praised by SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) in its latest report.
Harrogate's free repair café to return next weekend

Harrogate's volunteer-run Repair Café will be back next weekend, offering free fixes for broken household items.
Council issues roadworks update as Tesco works near completion

The one-way system on Skipton Road in Harrogate is expected to remain in place until later this month, as construction work linked to the new Tesco store nears completion.
Harrogate wins gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Harrogate has been awarded a gold medal at the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
A life of service: From military nurse to Principal of a Harrogate school

From the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classrooms of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Principal Joanna Fox’s life has been defined by courage, compassion and a deep sense of service.
Harrogate comedian to return to hometown as part of upcoming tour

Harrogate-born comedian Maisie Adam is set to return to her hometown next year as part of her brand-new UK tour, Whatsherface, which will run throughout 2026.
Swimming instructors visit Harrogate nurseries to teach water safety

Instructors from Harrogate School of Swimming have been visiting nurseries across the area to introduce young children to the basics of water safety.
Charity lunch at Harrogate hotel raises £2,700

A charity lunch held at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate has raised £2,766 for Harrogate Theatre’s 125th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Knaresborough wins regional town crier competition

Knaresborough's town criers won top honours at the recent regional Town Crier Competition.
Details revealed for Ripon Christmas light switch-on

Details have been revealed for Ripon's annual Christmas light switch-on event, organised by Ripon City Council.
Parish poll could cost Ripon taxpayers £20,000, mayor's supporters say

Residents of Ripon have been warned that holding a no-confidence vote in the city's mayor could cost taxpayers up to £20,000.
Council warns man of £38 charge per flag if he puts up any more

A man who put up more than 100 flags around a North Yorkshire market town has been told he will be charged a £38 removal fee per flag if he puts up any more.
Harrogate restaurant shortlisted at national Curry Awards

A Harrogate restaurant has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating the best of the UK's curry industry.
WATCH: Trailer released for Christmas film featuring Knaresborough and Wetherby

An official trailer has been released for an upcoming festive film which was partly filmed in the Harrogate district.
Viral pub crawler returns to Knaresborough pubs

The creator behind The Great British Pub Crawl returned to Knaresborough as part of a long-running national project documenting pubs across the UK.
Coral Windows begins new sponsorship with Harrogate Junior football club

A Harrogate junior football club has gained new support from a regional business, as Coral Windows begins a sponsorship partnership with Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
Tickets go on sale for Love to Be Festival 2026 in Harrogate

Tickets of popular festival went on sale on 27th October following the pre sale to previous attendees in September.
Allotment in Harrogate sell pumpkins to raise money for community shed

An allotment in Bilton are raising funds to complete a new shed and toilet facility at the Bachelor Gardens allotments.
Mayor of North Yorkshire visits Harrogate company to reduce digital inequality

A Harrogate technology company and a partner charity focused on digital inclusion welcomed the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, as part of a visit centre.