Putting the Art into A la Carte (November 2007)
The Evening Chronicle, The Journal and Bdaily all report on the fact that Sidney’s bistro restaurant, on Percy Street, Tynemouth is now serving up iconic images of ‘Sidney’. The artwork has been painted by fine art graduate Alan Finn, commissioned through local gallery Art Evolution.
The ‘pop art’ style prints include impressions of famous people through the ages named Sidney. Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols, Sid James from the Carry On films, Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett and Hollywood legend Sidney Poitier all give customers a taster of the restaurants namesake.
Head chef and restaurateur Alan O’Kane took over the restaurant in 2006 but the name Sidney’s has been its title for years. He said: “For years I have wondered who Sidney is and what story lies behind the name of the restaurant.
“I have been promoting Art Evolution’s collection in the restaurant for a while now so I asked whether an artist would be able to make some impressions of ‘Sidney.’
“I didn’t want to change the name of the restaurant because it already had a strong customer base and had built up recognition. I always get people asking me who or what is Sidney? So now I can just point to the paintings on the walls!
“I am really impressed by the paintings, they give a dynamic twist to the interior and they have been very well received from diners so far.”
Art Evolution rents and sells over 1200 pieces of open and limited edition photographs, sculpture and paintings produced by over 100 North East artists. Alan Finn, who graduated from the University of Sunderland, is one of the artists who sells his work through the gallery.
Alan Finn said: “The task of painting various famous people all called Sidney was an easy one for me as I draw inspiration from my love of art, music, movies, and icons.
“I hand painted each picture using acrylic on canvas and I adapted the pop art method using black, white and grey as signature colours, which gives a striking effect making them all truly original pieces of art.“
Alan has produced four ‘Sidney’ paintings for Sidney’s restaurant; Sid Vicious, Sid James, Sidney Poitier and Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett. Priced from £155 - £295 for more information you can go to Sidney’s restaurant www.sidneys.co.uk or visit Art Evolution at www.artevolution.co.uk .
November 9, 2007 10:50am
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