Draft:John Wilson McCracken
| Submission declined on 19 October 2025 by LuniZunie (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
| Submission declined on 16 September 2024 by Paul W (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources. Declined by Paul W 13 months ago. | |
| Submission declined on 16 September 2024 by Liance (talk). This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. Declined by Liance 13 months ago. | |
John Wilson McCracken (1936–1982) was a British artist and poet noted for his portraits of residents of Hartlepool.[1] McCracken’s paintings are held in numerous collections, including The Arts Council of England[2] and Hartlepool Art Gallery.[3]
Known as a member of The Front Group alongside Peter Knox, Patrick Heron, Ian Lang and Alan Turner, they held exhibitions of their work and organised symposiums, such as the Bowes Museum Art Centre in March 1966. In review published by The Guardian in 1966, art critic W.E Johnson noted how his work had ‘all the intensity of Lucian Freud.’[4]
His work continues to be exhibited alongside notable 20th century British artists, such as in the 2021 exhibition Hartlepool Unlocked which featured LS Lowry, Margaret Green and John Bratby.[5]
Life
[edit]Born in Belfast, McCracken moved to Birmingham at age 9 and later attended the Slade School of Art in London from 1956 to 1959. While in London, McCracken became acquainted with several artists, including Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, through his attendance at the Colony Room Club in Soho.[6]
In 1959, McCracken moved to Hartlepool, where he studied and subsequently taught at West Hartlepool College of Art. From 1962 to 1973, he worked as a technician at the Gray Art Gallery and Museum.[7]
During his time at the Hartlepool Art Gallery, McCracken was involved in bringing various artworks and exhibitions to Hartlepool, and “was instrumental in acquiring several important contemporary works of art for the town’s collection.”[5] In 1972, he arranged for a London exhibition by Lucian Freud to be shown in Hartlepool, Freud's first solo exhibition outside London. The same year, he was involved in the museum's acquisition of Frank Auerbach's painting 'Shell Building Site'.[6]
His artistic style has been described as influenced by Francis Bacon, particularly in his depictions of the human form. Writing about McCracken’s exhibition in Bede Gallery in 1973, critic William Feaver argued Freud’s influence was more than plagiarism, writing ‘there is a good deal more to McCracken’s work. For a start, it’s obviously the product of acute, painstaking observation.’[8]
McCracken was active in Hartlepool's arts scene during the 1960s, organising poetry and jazz nights.[9] His work is said to have influenced many local artists. He continued to create art despite experiencing health issues, and died aged 46.[10]
His art has continued to have importance in Hartlepool many years after his death. A mental health initiative for men by Hartlepool Art Gallery included a programme of workshops and exhibitions that would ensure 'John McCracken’s art continues to inspire and support mental health awareness.'[11]
Exhibitions
[edit]Selected exhibitions include:[12]
- 1959 – Young Contemporaries, R.B.A. Gallery, London
- 1963 – City Hotel Group Show, Durham
- 1964 – Municipal Art Gallery, Sunderland
- 1965 – Front Group, Gray Art Gallery, Hartlepool
- 1965 – Two-man show with Alan Turner, Sunderland
- 1966 – Front Group, Art Gallery, Middlesbrough
- 1966 – Front Group, Bowes Museum Arts Centre, Billingham
- 1966 – Northern Painters (Highly Commended), Newcastle upon Tyne
- 1971 – Gray Art Gallery, Hartlepool
- 1972 – Gray Art Gallery, Hartlepool
- 1973 – Laing Art Gallery Annexe, Newcastle upon Tyne (4–25 August)
- 1973 – Bede Gallery (with Alan Turner), Jarrow
References
[edit]- ^ "John Wilson McCracken". Art UK.
- ^ "John McCracken". Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Collection". Culture Hartlepool. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ Johnson, W.E (17 February 1966). "Review: Front Group Exhibition at Billingham". The Guardian.
- ^ a b Bellis, Richard (21 August 2021). "Hartlepool town's art collection to go on display". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ a b Feaver, William. The Lives of Lucian Freud. Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781526603562.
- ^ McLauchlan, Karen (4 February 2011). "John McCracken, Hartlepool Art Gallery, plus other Teesside exhibitions". Teesside Live. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ Feaver, William (1973). "Copycat Who Thinks For Himself". The Listener.
- ^ "Poetry and Jazz at the Nursery Inn". Hartlepool Mail. 9 November 1972.
- ^ "Former Hartlepool Artist Dies". Hartlepool Mail. 23 October 1982.
- ^ Raine, Madeleine (9 December 2024). "New initiative launches in Hartlepool to get men talking about their mental health". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ Exhibition Catalogue. Laing Art Gallery. 4 August 1973.