Beehives, bobs & blowdries - an exhibition

Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries, the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to the importance of hair and the salon in UK society, is back with additional content and a focus on sustainability and hair futures. From 17 September to 16 October 2022, this important exhibition will take place at The Piece Hall, Halifax, coinciding with Heritage Open Days Festival. The Caygill Rooms in the spectacular Grade 1 listed building will play host to what will be a fantastic celebration of British hairdressing, showcasing the most iconic looks of the past 70 years. After a hugely successful launch in 2018, fashion research consultant and senior academic, at Solent University, Donna Bevan (FRSA) and renowned, award-winning hairdresser Andrew Barton Hon Doc, have brought this exhibition back with the ambition to re-frame the hair and fashion story. The exhibition will tell the tale of how hairdressing has played an influential part in fashion and popular culture, culminating in the future of the salon and the importance of sustainability. Untangling the complex history of hair is a mean feat, but one of great importance. The politics of hair has deep roots, from ritual shaves to the spirituality of dreadlocks. Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries will explore the symbolic value of hair and its cultural heritage and is privileged to have Sharon Lloyd, steer at the British Beauty Council and founding member of FACE, develop the black hair content. The exhibition will also showcase the work of Beth Kabuga, a technical instructor for BA Hons - Make-up and Hair Design at Solent University. Beth commented: “I moved to Halifax in 2003 and it was the very first place we moved as a family. Having come from Kenya, it was a huge culture shock for us, but we were made to feel welcomed, both by our neighbours and school. As an immigrant in the UK, I have had the privilege of being introduced to different cultures around me, which has further broadened my understanding of how people express themselves through hair. I am thrilled to exhibit my work at Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries and to show the UK the beauty of my culture through some amazing wigs.” The exhibition will celebrate the meaning of hair as a form of self-expression, charting the cultural and economic shifts which influence those keys styles, using photography, modern and historical objects and a series of wigs, exclusively styled by Andrew Barton. Andrew said: “Hair can be a huge aspect of someone’s identity and hairstyles change with the times at such a speed. Women have grown, cut, bleached, permed and ironed their tresses in the never-ending quest to stay fashionable. To collaborate with my childhood friend Donna and together delve deep into the archives, recreating past trends and sub cultural styles, has been an honour and has reminded me of how versatile and malleable our amazing industry is.” Donna commented: “I grew up in a hair salon, and hair and hairdressing have been part of my research for the past 30 years. Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries is a glimpse into the wonderful world of hairdressing. We are celebrating the revolution in technologies, styles and salon spaces, all of which reflect the cultural and political shifts of the times. There is also an autobiographical element to the selections made by myself and Andrew, combining our passion for the industry to bring the legacy of hairdressing to life. We look forward to hearing more hair stories from our visitors to the exhibition.”  Donna and Andrew are excited to be collaborating with the wonderful charity Haircuts 4 Homeless to include a supplementary exhibition of images from their recent projects and book. This will be displayed in the Art Gallery at The Piece Hall to coincide with the Beehives Bobs & Blowdries exhibition. Local salon Anthony James will also play a prominent part of the exhibition. Now owned by Jo Lewis (nee Taylor), it was formerly part of the Annette chain of salons – owned by her mother, who moved from Ireland, where she was already part of a large hairdressing dynasty. We will follow the family’s hairdressing history to today, showcasing their work and importance in the community. Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries is sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel plus Andrew Barton London Education (ABLE), Banbury Postiche, Haircuts 4 Homeless, Little Princess Trust, Pink Gin Vintage, Racoon International, SLBPR and Solent University. Extra contribution by The Green Salon Collective. Visit the Beehives, Bobs and Blowdries exhibition at The Piece Hall this Autumn from 17  September – 16 October. Entry - Free @beehivesbobsandblowdries For more information please visit the website.  Image credits - Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries – Donna & Andrew Barton: Hair by Andrew Barton Art Direction by Donna Bevan Photography by Gino Sprio Make-up by BA Hons Make-up Pro Team, Solent University