A new retrospective of Burnley artist Aitor Throup will be shown in his hometown this month to mark the end of the British Textile Biennial.
The British Textile Biennial (BTB) is an event staged in Lancashire every two years that displays the rich textile history of the UK and commissions artists to produce works inspired by the industry’s past, present and future.
From The Moor, a retrospective exhibition looking at Aitor’s designs, sculptures and drawings from the last 20 years will be shown at Burnley’s Empire Theatre.
The Grade II listed theatre has been out of use since 1995 and considered at risk by The Theatres Trust.
Aitor Throup was born in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires before moving to Burnley in 1992.
He said he has “always been vocal” about his passion for the Lancashire town.
“The town adopted me as a 12-year-old immigrant and exposed me to a culture of aspiration, innovation and authenticity that has never left me.
“It was on the terraces of Burnley Football Club where my fascination with experimental clothing design was born.
“I am so grateful to the town and the football club for planting that seed of curiosity; and it’s an honour to return to Burnley to share the results of my many explorations so far.”
A second exhibition of Throup’s sculptures and drawings will take place at Gallery 123.
The building originally housed the retail store where a young Throup first became inspired by the designs of Italian Massimo Osti – founder of clothing brands C.P. Company and Stone Island.
These two brands, known for their military-inspired jackets, would become synonymous with the “terrace casual” culture of football fans mainly in the north of England.
The iconic “Goggle hood” acted as a way to disguise ones identity from CCTV cameras whilst the colour of the jacket distances oneself from their team’s colours.
Throup would also go on to collaborate with both brands – as well as projects working with Umbro.
From The Moor – A Retrospective of Aitor Throup’s Imagination’ is open 30 October to 2 November.
The secondary exhibition at Gallery 123 will open 20 October and run until 2 November.
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