

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Gathering Dust- an exhibition of assemblages and poems by John Bilsborough aka The Funny Poet
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 05 Mar, 2026 at 05:00 pm – Thu, 05 Mar, 2026 at 07:00 pm
- **Event Description**: This exhibition is a collection of assemblages- sculptures made from found materials- and poems- by John Bilsborough aka The Funny Poet. 

Works include ' Souvenirs from Space', ' Las Meninas' (various versions), 'The Artist and his Model' and some unidentified works. 

John grew up in Bolton Le Sands in Lancashire and came to Blackburn in the 60s.  He worked in the carpet factory at Bank Top Mill, mostly writing poetry on the night shift.  In the 70s he trained as a teacher,  but many older people will know him from his days at BBC Radio Blackburn, when he was on the air often with his verse.

This led to a spot on Radio 4’s Saturday PM where he would put current news stories in their proper, slightly silly perspective - a strike at a baked bean factory; a story about a haunted house. All sorts.

Then he went to Wales to help reinvigorate a derelict estate bought as a Trust by people like him looking for the good life. And there he was living the good life and making people laugh with his funny poems until his death late last year.

John's last exhibition in Blackburn before he moved to Wales was in the old Lewis Textile Museum- this very building- so it seems fitting to hold this exhibition here, before the works are distributed to his friends and family.

At the opening night on Thursday 5th March  5-7pm, there will be the chance to see a short film about John and to hear some of his poetry and raise a glass to him.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/blackburn/gathering-dust-an-exhibition-of-assemblages-and-poems-by-john-bilsborough-aka-the-funny-poet/200029729543059
- **Event Categories**: art, exhibitions, literary-art, entertainment
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 29

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: http://facebook.com/200029729543059?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=blackburn-events

## Event venue details

- **city**: Blackburn
- **state**: EN
- **country**: United Kingdom
- **location**: Exchange Street, BB1 7JN Blackburn, United Kingdom
- **lat**: 53.7501
- **long**: -2.48403
- **full address**: Exchange Street, BB1 7JN Blackburn, United Kingdom, British Legion Operated Car Parks, Exchange Street, Blackburn, BB1 7JN, United Kingdom

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 2
- **organizer**: The Bureau - Centre for the Arts (https://allevents.in/org/the-bureau-centre-for-the-arts/4752423)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/48d2d22def0601a69823b00204349517f39b634238ac88dea7b4299351e110b5-rimg-w1200-h1697-dcd8d6d2-gmir?v=1772711926
- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/bb5859acebaa1618ac006e56c67baa5e8ad8e3a0a8d09c7f5c4fb05cb403d773-rimg-w300-h300-dcd8d6d1-gmir?v=1772711927

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Thu, 05 Mar, 2026 at 05:00 pm
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** Exchange Street, BB1 7JN Blackburn, United Kingdom, British Legion Operated Car Parks, Exchange Street, Blackburn, BB1 7JN, United Kingdom
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** The Bureau - Centre for the Arts
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** art, exhibitions, literary-art, entertainment
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about Gathering Dust- an exhibition of assemblages and poems by John Bilsborough aka The Funny Poet ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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