The Whitworth hosted the Althea McNish: Colour is Mine from 21 October 2022 – 23 April 2023. This exhibition is the first major retrospective of Althea McNish (1924 – 2020).
McNish was the first Caribbean designer to achieve international recognition and one of the most influential and innovative textile designers in the UK. Drawing on extensive new research, this exhibition explores McNish’s extraordinary career and her transformative impact on mid-century design, along with her enduring influence today. Highlights include items from McNish’s recently uncovered personal archive – much of which has never been seen before. Also on display will be examples of McNish’s original designs alongside her most celebrated textile and wallpapers.
The Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, UK is the proud owner of Sybil Atteck's portrait of Althea McNish. This artwork featured prominently at the exhibition adjacent to the opening text narrative of the exhibition. McNish was an early member of the Trinidad Art Society and was a close friend of Atteck. McNish left Trinidad in 1950 and emigrated to the UK where she had a very successful career. Atteck produced several portraits of McNish and this painting is just one example.