Tribute to much-loved Kirklees musician in new art exhibition

Andy, who died tragically this year, was a keen visual artist, and an exhibition entitled ‘Andy Banks – a retrospective’ will celebrate his work later this month at Batley Art Gallery.

The exhibition will focus on Andy’s visual art, which took in an wide range of influences, and includes paintings, sculpture and kinetic drawing machines.

Andy, 49, became a familiar face on the Dewsbury music scene, as he played with bands including Eric the Viaduct and Ship of Fools.

A multi-instrumentalist, Andywas best-known for playing the mandolin, but also played banjo, flute and violin.

Many tributes were paid to him after his death, with friends describing him as ‘one of life’s nice guys’ and ‘a true gent’.

The father of two had a lifelong passion for music and art, and appeared onstage at last year’s Crown of Lights music festival in Heckmondwike’s Green Park.

The exhibition starts on September 14 and runs until October 5. For more information, contact Batley Library and Art Gallery on 01924 326021.

To find out about events throughout the rest of the year at Batley Library and art gallery, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/events/documents/GalleryProgramme.pdf.