Byland’s Super Saga was the first institutional solo show by Hull born artist Jack Pell. The exhibition drew upon the magic of everyday life across history, and was born out of Pell’s personal experience growing up in Hull as a working-class person and all the vibrant complexities that came with that.
Hull is often described as a city shaped by water. The artworks in Byland’s Super Saga took the regions waterways – the drains, the canals and the estuary – as metaphors to explore its key themes. It wove together the recognisable, everyday aspects of a city with that which is bizarre and magical.
The exhibition highlighted and examined the social history, folklore, industrial heritage and natural landscape of Hull and the East Riding in an imaginative way. It celebrated modern and unlikely aspects of popular culture such as fantasy and science-fiction, fairground art, car customisation, scarecrows and model building.
From reimagined replicas of some of Hull’s cast iron bridges including Wilmington and Sculcoates, to puppets named Wyke and Grim, who take on the characterised personas of Hull and Grimsby respectively, Byland’s Super Saga presented a creative interpretation of Hull unseen before.
About Jack Pell
Jack Pell (b. Beverley, 1994) is an artist based in Leeds. His practice uses a variety of materials and processes, usually utilising AV elements, and is informed by his northern working-class background. His recent focus has been responding to Yorkshire’s vernacular history and working-class culture, as a means of subverting the dominant historical narratives and stereotypes. His methodology draws on both history and folklore as well as the languages of fantasy and sci-fi. Using surreal imagery and satirical humour, he engages audiences in an entertaining and accessible way.
In recent years, Pell’s developing artistic practice has received support from the Tetley Associate Artist Programme (2019-21), 2022 YSI Sculpture Network and the Henry Moore Foundation Artist Award (2022). His work has been exhibited in Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2018, Leeds Artists Show 2023, and online exhibitions by Pavilion & The Tetley.
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.