This is a curatorial review by our curator Joshua Obara Norwood of Charles Parry’s work in the 2024 Show.

Whitby Abbey is the abbey featured in Stoker’s 1897 Dracula- though Dracula is a fictional character, the abbey itself is in ruins. It thus gives a haunting and dreary atmosphere, which this painting perfectly encapsulates. Especially with the palette of orange, pink and purple dominating the sky, evoking dusk (or potentially dawn), which exemplifies the abbey as bygone and a relic of times passed. These colours, combined with the dark silhouette of the abbey, create an otherworldly atmosphere that creates mystery and can be linked back to the intended atmosphere of Count Dracula.
The water within the painting enhances the dreary atmosphere while adding depth to the composition. Parry has painted this work beautifully, and it showcases the ruin and long-gone memories (and history) of Whitby Abbey.

Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire (2024) is an oil landscape painting of the Roseberry Topping hill. The first feature of this painting is how the composition is laid out. The hill takes almost one-third of the painting at the bottom- showcasing the artist’s use of the rule of thirds. In contrast, the skies dominate the rest of the work. The clouds within the skies have visible brushstrokes that showcase either a potential storm or (with the orange colours in mind) the coming of dusk. It somewhat resembles J. M. W. Turner’s clouds; however, these are much cleaner, though they do have some chaotic drama to them.

Pier at Saltburn by the Sea, North Yorkshire (2024) is wonderfully composed. The pier sits in the middle of the painting, balancing the sea against the calm skies. Both the sky and the sea create an expanse of calm, while the pier guides the viewer out towards the sea, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
The painting is both expressive and realistic. The waves of the sea are somewhat calm yet growing. The movement of the waves captures the warm colours of the dusk and reflects them toward the viewer, creating a sense of peace in the moment.
Conclusion
Overall, Charles Parry showcases great skill in the artworks, and these painted scenes invite great emotional responses from the viewer. Parry delivers emotions ranging from sombre and haunting to tranquillity and calm. The clouds are one of the key elements in Parry’s work, and they are masterfully executed in every single painting in the exhibition.