New York based animation art gallery, Generation Pop, has chosen Manchester as the city to open their first gallery outside of the USA. CREATIVE Times spoke to Anthony Marks, Commercial Director of Toons, Generation Pop’s UK partner, to find out more.

Generation Pop has been on the New York art scene for over two decades, showcasing work by pop-artists such as Allison Lefcort, Tim West and Trevor Carlton. Toons : The Animation Art Gallery was set up just four years ago by Robert Marks, who was previously Head of Animation Retail for Warner Bros. Based in Salford Quays, Toons had been in contact with Generation Pop through retailing work by Allison Lefcort. Impressed with their work, Generation Pop began talks with Toons last year to bring Generation Pop to the UK.

Persuading Generation Pop to pick Manchester was a “hard sell at first,” admits Anthony Marks. “Naturally they were focused on London, but by opening in Manchester we felt we were better located to serve collectors throughout the whole of the UK. It took time for them to understand where we were coming from.”

Allison Lefcort, whose artwork can be found in many celebrity collections including those of Hugh Hefnor and Liza Minelli, will feature in the Manchester gallery – aptly based on New York Street. Also featured in the gallery will be the work of photographer Frank Worth who worked during the ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood. “It was only when Frank died, his family found unbelievable shots of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to James Dean” explained Anthony.

It’s not just American artists who will be showcased at Generation Pop, there’s an opportunity for UK talent too. “On the opening night we will be unveiling work by David Merrell who is a Manchester-based artist,” Anthony explained. “It’s also a two-way street, we intend to push artists’ work in America too. With our connections to the Hollywood studios there are a lot of possibilities”.

The Generation Pop Gallery is open now .

W: www.toonsart.com
W: www.generationpopart.co.uk