Alfred Beesley is a visual artist whose current practice focuses on creating sculptures exploring the life cycle of plants. Using papier-mâché, textiles and ceramics, he has created a collection of 3D works including a 2 metre high apple tree, a miniature greenhouse and a variety of fruit and vegetables with a basket for harvesting. Most recently, Beesley has explored developing storytelling performances in collaboration with performers to animate his sculptures for young audiences.
Beesley has been making and sharing creative work at the Bluecoat as part of Blue Room since 2008. Since 2021, he has also been part of the Studio Me project which aims to support learning disabled artists to develop their creative practice and navigate barriers to professional development. He has explored a wide variety of media including printmaking, animation and sculpture and always values how audiences interact with his art works.
With support from the Henry Moore Foundation, in 2023-24 Beesley was supported to develop the Under the Apple Tree project exploring sculpture and storytelling culminating in events for children and families at Bluecoat and Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
In 2023, Beesley received mentorship from artist Ellie Hoskins to develop his sculptural practice evolving his table top Apple Tree sculpture into a 2 metre tall structure. Beesley also developed his technique for making thread wrapped apples to hang from and adorn the structure; going on to share his technique with studio group Barrington Farm and tailoring for children of all ages at family events.
Beesley’s sculptures reflect his interests in fairytales, folklore and storytelling. In the run up to the Under the Apple Tree event, Beesley collaborated with acclaimed storyteller and performer Gav Cross, together exploring the importance of apples within folktales, myth and legend.
You can find out more about the project here:
https://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/about/news/under-the-apple-tree
Beesley’s earlier projects include Bluecoat’s Art Trail, an illustrated activity booklet that encouraged young visitors to explore the Bluecoat’s garden, designed in collaboration with Holly Eliza Temple and Blue Room artists; Lewis Scott, Edward Rauer and William Richardson.
Exhibitions & Events
The Year That Was, Bluecoat - December 2024
Lore, Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey, October- December 2024
Under the Apple Tree at Norton Priory - October 2024
Under the Apple Tree at the Bluecoat - April 2024
Studio Me, Cass Art, Liverpool, October 2022
Awards & Commissions
Henry Moore Foundation Grant, Bluecoat, 2023
Art Trail, Bluecoat, 2022
