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Friday Lates: The Triumph of Art

Ed Hall in conversation

Celebrated banner maker Ed Hall joins Imogen Tedbury, our Curator of Italian Paintings before 1500, in conversation
This event is part of Friday Lates.
Date
Friday, 24 May 2024
Time
6.15 - 7 pm

About

Celebrated banner maker Ed Hall has been a long-time collaborator of artist Jeremy Deller after a chance meeting at the Lambeth County Show in 1999. Hear Hall discuss his starting points and process for creating contemporary banners with Curator of Italian Paintings before 1500 Imogen Tedbury.

Banner-making and ceremonial ephemera was an important part of public life in the cities of 14th- and 15th-century Italy. They featured in government, military and town life including processions and pageants, state funerals, in guild halls and as military standards.

The Medici family invested in the workshop and livelihood of festive banner painter Giuliano Pesello, who was the grandfather and probably the first master of the artist Pesellino. The skill and craft of creating beautiful, vibrant and easily recognisable iconography has long continued and is still part a tradition of visual arts in society. Hall will bring examples of his hand-crafted banners to share during the conversation.

This Friday Late is organised in conjunction with ‘The Triumph of Art’, our nationwide commission with artist Jeremy Deller, supported by The Art Fund.

Image: Ed Hall, 'Waterloo' banner, 2019. Image courtesy of the artist

Ed Hall

Ed Hall was born in Norwich and studied at Norwich School and went on to study BA Architecture at Sheffield University. His first job was at an Architect's office in Liverpool, but by 1974 he was working for Lambeth Council building council houses. In the early 1980's, major political changes were taking place and Hall became active in his trade union. He became the UNISON Branch Secretary at Lambeth Council representing 16,000 staff and, because he had drawing skills, began to make banners for the campaigns which flourished at the time. Hall has created banners for many of Jeremy Deller’s work including 'Folk Archive', 2005 and 'Procession' in 2009 and produced banners for institutions including the British Council and the Southbank Centre.

Talks & conversations

Friday Lates: The Triumph of Art

Ed Hall in conversation

Celebrated banner maker Ed Hall joins Imogen Tedbury, our Curator of Italian Paintings before 1500, in conversation
This event is part of Friday Lates.
Date
Friday, 24 May 2024
Time
6.15 - 7 pm

Free

Although this event does not require booking, we encourage you to book a free Gallery entry ticket to gain admission to the National Gallery and save time on arrival. 

Please note, Gallery entry does not guarantee admission to this event. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.