Arthur Berry - Definition and Overview

Arthur Berry (1925-1994). Born in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Playwright, poet, teacher and artist.

Raised in an industrial district in the depths of the Depression, Berry escaped via an education at the Burslem School of Art (http://www.schoolofart.co.uk/main/) and later gained a place at the Royal College of Art, London. After his education he returned to Burslem to teach at the School of Art, and his individual creative work became deeply rooted in the culture, people and landscape of Burslem and the Fowlea Valley.

His first play was staged in 1976, followed by others and an autobiography, Three and Sevenpence Halfpenny Man. His 1979 work Lament For The Lost Pubs Of Burslem was awarded the Pye Award for the best radio monologue of 1979.

Until 1985 he held the post of Lecturer in Painting at North Staffordshire Polytechnic. His paintings are held in numerous private and public collections.

There is an annual Arthur Berry Fellowship award for young artists.

Further reading

• Arthur Berry retrospective exhibition: Stoke-on-Trent City Museum and Art Gallery, 17 September-27 October 1984 catalogue. Stoke-on-Trent City Museum and Art Gallery (1984).