Ian Pearsall ( b. 1967 )
Ian Pearsall, a contemporary artist whose paintings and sketches serve as a powerful homage to the post-industrial landscape of Stoke-on-Trent. From his early life in Africa to his return to the "City of Five Towns".
From Malawi to the North Staffordshire Sky
Born in 1967 in Salisbury, Rhodesia, Ian Pearsall's journey to becoming a staple of the Stoke-on-Trent art scene was anything but linear. After spending his childhood in Malawi, Ian made the pivotal choice at sixteen to return to his ancestral home in North Staffordshire—a place he felt "ran in his blood." The "blackened blight" of the Shelton Bar sky and the iconic long lines of terraced houses left an indelible mark on his artistic consciousness. Ian honed his craft at Newcastle-under-Lyme College before earning a B.A. (Hons) Degree in Design from Nottingham Polytechnic.
An Artistic Journey Through Europe and Home Again
Before settling back in the Potteries, Ian explored the global art world, hitchhiking across the continent to study the masters first-hand: European Inspiration: He immersed himself in the galleries of The Tate, The National Gallery, Le Louvre, The Uffizi, and The Vatican. The Return: The true spark of inspiration occurred upon his return to the UK. A chance encounter with the Top Works Bottle Kiln whilst walking his dog led to the creation of the acclaimed photography collage, The Magnificent 47. A Decade of Discovery: Ian spent ten years walking the streets of this great conurbation, tracing his family's heritage and translating the unique geography of the area into his signature drawing style.
The Potteries Sketchbook & Contemporary Works
Ian Pearsall's work is characterised by a deep resonance with the post-industrial landscape. His "splintered memories" of the city are brought to life through collaborations with kindred spirits, including poet Lindsay Bainbridge, writer Dave Proudlove, and musician Edgar Broughton. Together with photographer Phil Shallcross, they continue to explore new creative tangents together. Barewall Art Gallery is delighted to present Ian's latest collections, including: The Magnificent 47: A landmark photographic study of the city's remaining bottle ovens. The Potteries Sketchbook: A collection of raw, authentic drawings capturing the streets and "backs" of Stoke-on-Trent as they stand today.
"The post-industrial landscape is my continuing inspiration, heavy with splintered memories." — Ian Pearsall
Shop Ian Pearsall at Barewall
Whether you are a collector of British industrial art or looking for a piece on Stoke-on-Trent urban history, Ian Pearsall's work offers a wonderfully unique perspective on a city defined by its resilience and cultural impact. Explore works like IP15 Jervis Street (Waste Ground) 2024, The Magnificent 47 Print, Ballad of The Streets by David Proudlove illustrated by Ian Pearsall, IP9 Takeaway Outlet (Cobridge), and IP5 House on a Corner (Shadows on the Street).
