A MULTI award-winning painter, named as ‘one to watch’ by Saatchi Art, has launched a solo exhibition inspired by a icon from Warrington’s past.

Louise Giovanelli, a Manchester School of Art graduate, used John Warrington Wood, a sculptor of mythological and biblical subjects, as the starting point for her latest project, A Throw to the Side.

The 24-year-old explored the life and work of Wood, who was a prominent figure in the town in the 19th century, for her series of paintings.

Wood studied at Warrington School of Art and between 1858 and 1862 his drawing and modelling skills were recognised with numerous awards, including a national medallion from the Department of Science and Art in South Kensington.

He moved to Rome in 1865 and three years later he had a studio in Piazza Trinita de Monti where he sent his first works to the Royal Academy.

One of the pieces Wood is best known for is ‘St Michael Overcoming Satan’, a marble sculpture that took him three years to complete. It was funded by the people of Warrington after the Warrington Guardian launched an appeal to raise £1,000 in 1871. Wood died 15 years later in 1886 at the Lion Hotel in Bridge Street and before he was buried at Warrington Cemetery in Manchester Road almost the whole town lined up to pay their respects.

The funeral procession was almost a quarter of a mile long, consisting of four mourning coaches and more than 20 carriages.

“He clearly had a significant impact. I could tell that straight away,” said Louise, whose accolades include The Leonard James Fine Art Prize, The Manchester Academy of Fine Art Award, and The Ken Billany Painting Prize.

“It’s great how back then all these smaller municipal galleries were clearly very important and it’s a shame that now they are not thought of in such a high regard. They’re so underfunded.

“There are a few of his pieces in Warrington Museum but also in places like the Walker Gallery in Liverpool and further afield. The British Museum has some of his busts as well.

“I was inspired not only by his pieces in Warrington but his broader reach and legacy. I’m trying to make people re-examine these details from the town’s past and culture. I’ve tried re-imagine John Warrington Wood’s pieces in a different light and I’d like people to come along on that journey with me.”

Louise has been a professional artist since she was 18 and A Throw To The Side will be the Manchester resident’s fourth solo exhibition. After that she has an artist residency and exhibition at Griffin Gallery in London in June.

Louise has even had a book published about her called In Conversation Louise Giovanelli which charts her journey from graduation to one of the UK’s most promising artists.

“Things have snowballed,” added Louise, who grew up in south Wales.

“I’ve had shows coming up and always been working on something. It was just a good way to document this journey and talk about my development.”

  • A Throw To The Side is at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery until July 15