Express & Star

The Fizzogs immortalised in art at Dudley exhibition

Comedy trio The Fizzogs have been immortalised in art and have taken pride of place on the wall at an annual art exhibition in Dudley.

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The exhibition by the Dudley Society of Artists, now in its 87th year, opened on Saturday and will run until February 7, 2016.

Painted in oil and acrylics by chairman of the Dudley Society of Artists, Keith Turley, the picture captures Sue Hawkins, Jacky Fellows and Deb Nicholls as 'The Critics'.

Formed in 2000, the trio focus their humour on the Black Country, a 'unique' part of the country they're extremely proud of.

Mr Turley, from Wall Heath, has more than 30 years experience as an art teacher before he retired to concentrate on painting.

He said: "It was a pleasure to paint the Fizzogs and 'immortalise' them through the power of paint for the people of Dudley to see.

"I've concentrated on painting many comedy figures over the years and to have this painting of a local act exhibited is fantastic."

The art exhibition is running at Dudley and Museum and Art Gallery, which could close as part of Dudley Council's plans to save money. The gallery has stood in Priory Street since 1883.

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Mr Turley added: "It's a great shame over the plans to close the museum and art gallery as it is and always has been a platform for local artists to display their work and build up their portfolios.

"It has allowed talent to shine through for many years and the Dudley Society of Artists have exhibited work at the art gallery and museum since our inception in 1928."

The proposed closure is among plans to save £20 million over the next three years.

The decision has sparked huge backlash from the public, with around 3,500 people signing a petition calling for the venue to be saved.

Campaigner Ross Crampton said: "We're trying to get as many people as possible to sign the petition and encourage all members to do it.

"To my knowledge the decision is in the process of going to full council and we should know more by the new year.

"I feel it's contradictory of the council to attempt to promote Dudley as a tourist destination and then plan to close the museum."

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