2025 is the start of Erewash Museum’s exciting temporary exhibition programme, starting with an exhibition of artwork by local teacher and artist John Lally (1914 – 1994). Most of the paintings displayed have never been on public view, so this is a rare and exciting opportunity to see some unique artwork.
The name John Lally is familiar to many. Some will remember him as ‘Pop’, an art teacher and later headmaster at Gladstone Boys’ School in Ilkeston. Others may remember him as a founding member of the Ilkeston and District Local History Society or as chair of the Ilkeston Arts Club.
At Erewash Museum, he is fondly remembered as a key figure in its establishment in the early 1980s and as a founding member of the Friends of Erewash Museum.
Lally was passionate about art throughout his life, and through his teaching, he inspired many young people to embrace the subject. His talent for creating unique views and subjects is celebrated in this exhibition, with over 15 of his works on display.
Lally started teaching at Gladstone Boys’ School in the early 1950s and later became headmaster, before retiring in the 1970s. He was highly respected for his inspirational teaching and creativity. TV’s Robert Lindsay who shot to fame in 1970s sitcom Citizen Smith, credits John Lally with spurring his acting career. Lindsay told how meeting the teacher was a “milestone” in his life. He said: “He formed a wonderful thing called The Grand Order of Thespians – a bit like the Dead Poets’ Society.”
Lally would organise performances – allowing Lindsay’s talents to shine. The actor said, “Thankfully, he believed in me … I’d been told by my careers advisors and maths teachers that I’d never be employable.”
During the early 1950s, Lally’s artistic work flourished, and he created many abstract landscapes and still life oil paintings, as well as numerous drawings and sketches for local society publications. The exhibition opens on Thursday 23 January and runs until 20 March.
Erewash council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said of the art master:
“He inspired many young people to embrace the subject. The museum will showcase various items relating to his career at Gladstone Boys’ School, including photographs, drawings and the iconic school badge that he designed.
“John Lally took inspiration from his surroundings, his teaching career and local history – which were all reflected in his paintings. He was also inspired by different art styles, and he had a remarkable talent for creating unique views and subjects using watercolour.”
The paintings will be displayed in the aptly named Lally Gallery at the Erewash Museum, which is open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays near Ilkeston Market Place. Entry is free.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible, and visitors can take advantage of the museum’s Dalby House Café which has views of the gardens.
Pictured: John Lally, courtesy of Ilkeston & District Local History Society