BLAC Big Lamp Artists Cooperative

15/03/2026

Its taken me a while to write this, but with the heaviest of hearts we must bid a final farewell to Mick Smee.

Mick has been at BLAC studios since, well I imagine he would estimate 1914. I first shared a studio space with him 25 years ago and I cant imagine how it will be without his constant enthusiasm and encouragement, jokes and stories. Anyone who has been to any of our open events will know, the party alway ends up in Micks studio🍷

He was such a special guy and I dont have the words to convey how much we will miss him at the studio or how much I will miss him as a friend.

I can picture him now, saying goodbye with a final 'gan canny', roll up in mouth, fingers held in a peace sign and disappearing in a waft of patchouli like the beautiful and ever youthful hippy that he was. Goodbye Mick ✌️

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For anyone who would like to attend, Micks funeral will be on March 25th 2pm with drinks in the Denton afterwards.

10/03/2026

Meant to post this in January but its all still on!

As usual, the majority of it is London which whilst worth a visit isnt always in everyone's budget. If you want to promote any local shows in the north east send me the details and I will happily give them a shout out! 😊

Must-sees include Beryl Cook’s postwar brilliance, Tracey Emin’s new highs, Frida Kahlo’s confessions, plus Google’s HQ and Gaudí’s finally finished fever dream

27/01/2026

Always a warm welcome 🙏