Over 10,000 people flock to Pete McKee's This Class Works exhibition

As Pete McKee's This Class Works exhibition draws to a close, the Sheffield artist has revealed that over 10,000 people have visited in just 16 days.
Pete McKee at work. Picture: India HobsonPete McKee at work. Picture: India Hobson
Pete McKee at work. Picture: India Hobson

This Class Works - an 'exploration and celebration of the working class' with a political edge - is his first major show since undergoing a lifesaving liver transplant, needed to treat cirrhosis triggered by a rare genetic condition.

It opened on July 14 at a warehouse space at 92 Burton Road, and ended today (July 29).

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Speaking on Twitter, Pete said: "After 16 sold out days which have seen over 10,000 visitors THIS CLASS WORKS is in it's final few hours. Before we close the doors for the last time I would love to know which was your favourite artwork from the exhibition?"

Pete came up with the concept for This Class Works as he was recuperating from his transplant last year.

He said: "I wanted other artists to be a part of the show and make sure there was plenty of incredible work to see."

52-year-old Pete grew up on a council estate as the youngest of four children.

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His father was a steelworker, his mother worked for a bakery, and he had jobs in a factory and as a postman before turning to art full-time.

He previously said he wanted the show to 'redress the unbalance that exists in the media and society'.

"It’s important for me to show the spirit of the working class; the pride, hope, fight, passion and resourcefulness that has been their foundation."

Thousands of people went to see his 2016 collection Six Weeks to Eternity, a nostalgic look back at school summer holidays, at the Magna centre in Rotherham.