A project celebrating the culture and contribution of brass bands.

Artist Mark Gamsu has created this project which is based on drawings he has done at rehearsals of Unite the Union Brass Band in 2024.

If you are interested in this project you can get in touch with Mark by direct messaging him through his instagram account or leave a note in the comment box below.

About

This is the page for the Unite the Union Brass Band project.

The project is based on drawings done by Mark Gamsu of the Unite Brass Band in rehearsal during 2024. The band are based in Sheffield South Yorkshire, they rehearse twice a week. They were established 125 years ago and are currently in the Championship Section 2026 – which is the top brass band division in the UK.

These drawings will be used as the basis for an exhibition that will celebrate this band and brass banding in general. Brass Bands have a long history in the UK, often built around communities, community organisations and the trade union movement. They are an important part of the culture of the United Kingdom and actively contribute to community life and the trade union movement in particular.

The dedication of volunteer band members and the amazing quality of the music produced is insufficiently recognised and understood as an important part of British culture.

Mark Gamsu says:

“I first saw the Unite Brass Band when they led off the ‘Remember Orgreave‘ Rally in 2024. Since then it has been a privilege to be welcomed by the band and to be allowed to draw them at their rehearsals. At this time of terrible divisions in the fabric of UK society there is arguably a greater need than ever to celebrate the collective ethos of brass bands and their important contribution to our cultural life.”

A bit about Brass Bands

Despite the decline and decimation of traditional industries such as mining and steel where there was a history of strong trade unions and communities; Brass Bands continue to thrive. Supported by organisations such as Brass Bands England and important local and national competitions such as the National Brass Band Championships and the Whit Friday Brass Band Competitions. It is not surprising that many of the bands still retain close links to the Trade Union Movement and just like the Unite Brass Band will often be seen leading off rallies and at important events such as the Durham Miners Gala.

Most importantly local people and communities choose to be involved in producing and supporting this beautiful collective endeavour that requires a significant personal contribution to achieve the high standards that many aspire to.

As the musical director of Unite Brass Band said to band members:

“Your are all soloists … but you are also part of an ensemble”

About Mark Gamsu

Mark is an artist/printmaker based at Exchange Place Studios in Sheffield which is run by Yorkshire Artspace.

Mark’s practice is based on drawings of people he sees, in markets, pubs, on the street, and more recently in brass bands. Mark is excited by the energy and movement of people going about their daily lives. He believes that everyday experiences should be celebrated.

His drawings and prints aim to recognise and celebrate the day to day in a way that is neither sentimental or patronising.

The Plan

The drawings will provide the basis for an exhibition which will consist of the following elements:

• A short film which will be based on the drawings of the Brass Band in their rehearsals in Sheffield – there is a trial snippet which can be viewed here.
• A series of large scale prints of some of these drawings.
• Interviews with some band members – which will be included in the booklets and film
• Production of some small booklets focussing on drawings of the band, quotes from members and the role of the musical director.
• It is intended to collaborate with local museums/galleries and other interested partners in brass banding areas of England.

Next Steps

Approaching potential collaborators with a particular focus on museums and key charities, then to apply for funding to progress this project. The intention is to have the project completed by the late summer/early autumn of 2026

The Film

The intention is to produce a short film which will bring together the drawing of the band with their rehearsal. The film maker Tim Feben has started to work on some initial ideas and a test film can be here.

Still from test film

The Booklet

An example of an earlier booklet based on the Orgreave rally is included here – the plan is to produce at least another two booklets which will focus on the band and the contribution of the musical director. The front page of the Orgreave booklet is below. This was designed by Scott Greenway who will also design others in the series.

Front cover of Orgreave Booklet

The Drawings

There are a number of examples of the drawings on this web page – they have all been done in Charcoal on A3 paper.

Acknowledgements

I would particularly like to thank the Unite the Union Brass Band who have kindly welcomed me to their rehearsals and David Alston – many of the ideas in this project were generated through discussions with him.

I would also like to thank the following who are helping to turn these ideas into action.

• Simon Duffy
• James Lock
• Tim Feben
• Scott Greenway
• Sue Cook