the Bluecoat reopens
The Bluecoat reopens on Friday 23 May, after a temporary closure following a fire. The reopening comes just in time for a weekend of exciting events including Wiley, Howard Marks and our new exhibition Variable Capital.
Then on Saturday at 7.30pm, Writing on the Wall presents Howard Marks and Harry the Polis in conversation. Marks who owned 25 money laundering operations to support his international dope dealing, has one of the UK’s best-selling autobiographies. Writer and stand-up storyteller Harry Morris saw it all in his 30 years with Strathclyde Police.
Taking us through to Wednesday 28 May, live artist Susannah Hewlett has created characters, installations and sound works for her wry take on Saturday night game-shows. The galleries will stay open until 10.00pm, and special drinks promotions (Bottles of Grolsch £1.50) make this a perfect opportunity to celebrate the opening of the Variable Capital exhibition.
Alastair Upton, Chief Executive at the Bluecoat comments “We are thrilled to be reopening after just ten days of closure and in time for such a fantastic weekend of events. Since the fire on the morning of Tuesday 13 May, staff at the Bluecoat have been pulling out the stops to get the building up and running and open to the public once again. Having worked in the midst of a construction site for three years, the Bluecoat’s team are used to working in difficult conditions but I would like to thank them all for their incredible show of team spirit, for their hard work and resilience in challenging circumstances.”
The Bluecoat’s creative industry and artist occupiers have begun moving back into their spaces, and the three retail units in the courtyard; Landbaby, Purlesque and Bob Porter will reopen on Friday.
Espresso will produce daily special salads, high quality afternoon teas with finger sandwiches, mini cakes and scones and will be serving drinks that can be enjoyed in the Garden. Please note that the re-opening on Friday 23 May will not include the restaurant bar, Upstairs at the Bluecoat, located on the first floor of the building. Upstairs at the Bluecoat will reopen once restoration of the building and kitchen is complete. The timescale for this is still being assessed. The partial reopening of the building includes the espresso bar in the ground floor hub offering visitors a range of drinks, homemade sandwiches and cakes.
Direct telephone lines to staff are currently not working. Please contact the main Tickets and Information desk on 0151 702 5324.
