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27 remarkable pictures capturing creativity in the ’80s and ’90s across the Black Country and Staffordshire

Here, we celebrate the creativity of the ’80s and ’90s across the region.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From street art — including the multi-talented Goldie, whose work inspired workshops for young people — to gallery exhibitions featuring everything from bizarre characters from a French play that might give you nightmares, to a life-size naked Barbie doll (yes, you read that correctly). Enjoy!

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Redundant engineering worker Allyn Wyer of Durham Road in Wollaston, Stourbridge, was putting on an exhibition of his paintings at Kinver Library on February 8, 1983.
Redundant engineering worker Allyn Wyer of Durham Road in Wollaston, Stourbridge, was putting on an exhibition of his paintings at Kinver Library on February 8, 1983.
'The Swimmers', Wednesbury Art Gallery. Les Willock put on a display of his paintings as part of the Sandwell Arts Spring and Summer programme. The photograph shows Chris Brittan and Kevin Knowles admiring a painting on April 19, 1983.
'The Swimmers', Wednesbury Art Gallery. Les Willock put on a display of his paintings as part of the Sandwell Arts Spring and Summer programme. The photograph shows Chris Brittan and Kevin Knowles admiring a painting on April 19, 1983.
Wolverhampton College of Adult Education was showing an exhibition of work, including a display of dolls' houses made at classes in Smestow School. The photograph shows Joyce Wootton of The Greenway, Pattingham, with her house in September 1983.
Wolverhampton College of Adult Education was showing an exhibition of work, including a display of dolls' houses made at classes in Smestow School. The photograph shows Joyce Wootton of The Greenway, Pattingham, with her house in September 1983.
Artist Clare Abbotts of Lichfield Road in Bloxwich was having a first exhibition of her work in the foyer of Walsall's Civic Centre in October 1983.
Artist Clare Abbotts of Lichfield Road in Bloxwich was having a first exhibition of her work in the foyer of Walsall's Civic Centre in October 1983.
Official War Paintings Exhibition, Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The paintings and drawings were commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee, covering all aspects of the Second World War, and were presented to the town by the Imperial War Museum. The photograph shows Hubert Taylor of Tettenhall, who served with the Welsh Regiment in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, looking at one of the drawings in November 1983.
Official War Paintings Exhibition, Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The paintings and drawings were commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee, covering all aspects of the Second World War, and were presented to the town by the Imperial War Museum. The photograph shows Hubert Taylor of Tettenhall, who served with the Welsh Regiment in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, looking at one of the drawings in November 1983.
A Victorian Nursery exhibition at Walsall Art Gallery in 1983. The exhibition included a reconstructed nursery from the period, along with various Victorian dolls and games. The photograph shows Lindsey Brooks preparing models of a nanny and baby.
A Victorian Nursery exhibition at Walsall Art Gallery in 1983. The exhibition included a reconstructed nursery from the period, along with various Victorian dolls and games. The photograph shows Lindsey Brooks preparing models of a nanny and baby.
Mid-Art Exhibition, Dudley Art Gallery. One of the entries in the annual Mid-Art competition came from artist Bryn Jayes from Radmore Road in Handsworth, and was titled 'In praise of all bus stations'. The photograph shows Bryan Greenaway from Pensnett and Peter Saunders from Stourbridge with one of the paintings in May 1984.
Mid-Art Exhibition, Dudley Art Gallery. One of the entries in the annual Mid-Art competition came from artist Bryn Jayes from Radmore Road in Handsworth, and was titled 'In praise of all bus stations'. The photograph shows Bryan Greenaway from Pensnett and Peter Saunders from Stourbridge with one of the paintings in May 1984.
An art exhibition at Roapp Hall Community Centre, Darlaston, was open to local painters of all age groups, organised by David Beattie. The photograph shows Craig Wilkes, Mark Plant and Hadrian Westbury of Darlaston Comprehensive School. February 6, 1986
An art exhibition at Roapp Hall Community Centre, Darlaston, was open to local painters of all age groups, organised by David Beattie. The photograph shows Craig Wilkes, Mark Plant and Hadrian Westbury of Darlaston Comprehensive School. February 6, 1986