Alfred Leete: The Man Behind the Icon

Telling the story of the Weston man who created the famous ‘Your Country Needs You’ poster.

Alfred Leete

Alfred Leete was a graphic artist who produced advertising campaigns for companies including the London Underground and Younger’s Ale. Leete was once described as ‘the funniest man in the world’ and his cartoons gently capture the comedy of everyday life and politics. All these aspects of his career are represented in the exhibition. But his original artwork for the Kitchener poster, generously loaned by the Imperial War Museum in London, is the remarkable centrepiece.

The loan has been made possible through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. Other loans have been kindly provided by North Somerset Council and private lenders.

Tom Mayberry, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Alfred Leete’s most famous work on display in the creator’s home town. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Imperial War Museum and to have received a grant through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.

Malcolm Nicholson, Town Clerk for Weston-super-Mare Town Council

For the first time Weston Museum has been able to borrow an item from a national museum. This has been made possible as a result of significant investment in the building during the recent Heritage Lottery funded redevelopment.

Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation

We have been blown away by the ambition and creativity of museums and galleries across the UK and Weston Museum’s idea really stood out. Some of the most talented curators in the UK have imagined the art, objects and exhibitions which promise to transform the experiences of their audiences. We are delighted that the local community in Weston-super-Mare will get to learn more about Alfred Leete’s fascinating life and career.

The South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage have arranged this exhibition. The Trust is part of the First World War Centenary Partnership led by the Imperial War Museum. The exhibition runs until Sunday 13 January 2019 and entry is free.

Alfred Leete: The Man Behind the Icon

Telling the story of the Weston man who created the famous ‘Your Country Needs You’ poster.

Alfred Leete

Alfred Leete was a graphic artist who produced advertising campaigns for companies including the London Underground and Younger’s Ale. Leete was once described as ‘the funniest man in the world’ and his cartoons gently capture the comedy of everyday life and politics. All these aspects of his career are represented in the exhibition. But his original artwork for the Kitchener poster, generously loaned by the Imperial War Museum in London, is the remarkable centrepiece.

The loan has been made possible through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. Other loans have been kindly provided by North Somerset Council and private lenders.

Tom Mayberry, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Alfred Leete’s most famous work on display in the creator’s home town. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Imperial War Museum and to have received a grant through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.

Malcolm Nicholson, Town Clerk for Weston-super-Mare Town Council

For the first time Weston Museum has been able to borrow an item from a national museum. This has been made possible as a result of significant investment in the building during the recent Heritage Lottery funded redevelopment.

Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation

We have been blown away by the ambition and creativity of museums and galleries across the UK and Weston Museum’s idea really stood out. Some of the most talented curators in the UK have imagined the art, objects and exhibitions which promise to transform the experiences of their audiences. We are delighted that the local community in Weston-super-Mare will get to learn more about Alfred Leete’s fascinating life and career.

The South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity that protects and celebrates Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage have arranged this exhibition. The Trust is part of the First World War Centenary Partnership led by the Imperial War Museum. The exhibition runs until Sunday 13 January 2019 and entry is free.

Come and join us for an evening of Christmas carols at Weston Museum.

North Somerset’s new choral ensemble Costanzi Consort present a feast of Christmas carols old and new.

The evening will also feature rare historic music by some North Somerset composers.

Tickets are £12 or £5 for students and under 18’s. Purchase them at the museum or by calling 01934 621028

Weston Museum and Terrestrial have a whole host of activities kicking off over the next couple of weeks (all free): weekly choir sessions and dance workshops, and the launch of the ‘Guerrilla Media Unit’ of myth-makers. There is a taster session coming up for anyone interested in our Local Advisory Group.

Weston Museum will be hosting a theatre show exclusively for children aged 3 and up and their families.

Soap Soup Theatre will be presenting The Snow Baby, a magical show with beautiful puppetry, imaginative storytelling and music.

Shows at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets are £8.50 each and under 2’s are free.

Call: 01934 621028 or call into the museum.