Between Sirens and Saxophones – Tim Shorten Exhibition at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington

Tim Shorten
18th April 2026 runs until 25th Aprl 2026
The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington YO42 2AS

Smoky jazz clubs, service dress, and nights lived between blackout and dawn.

This April, The Acorn Gallery in Pocklington is proud to present Between Sirens and Saxophones, a major new exhibition of original paintings by Tim Shorten. This atmospheric collection of 1940s-inspired artwork explores jazz clubs, wartime streets, and intimate interior scenes, capturing the romance, tension, and humanity of a remarkable era.

Featuring a new body of work, this exhibition is ideal for collectors of figurative painting, lovers of 1940s art and culture, and anyone drawn to narrative, cinematic artwork. All paintings in the exhibition will be available to buy through The Acorn Gallery.


About the Exhibition: 1940s Paintings Inspired by Jazz and Wartime Britain

Between Sirens and Saxophones is an art exhibition rooted in the mood and storytelling of the 1940s. Tim Shorten’s paintings depict jazz musicians, late-night clubs, quiet streets, and figures in service dress, set against the backdrop of wartime Britain.

Rather than focusing on historical detail alone, Shorten paints the emotional landscape of the period: moments of connection, anticipation, solitude, and quiet resilience. There is a strong cinematic quality to the work, with each painting feeling like a scene from an unwritten film—inviting the viewer to imagine what came before and what might happen next.

This exhibition will appeal to visitors interested in:

- 1940s and wartime-themed art

- Jazz-inspired paintings

- Figurative and narrative painting

- Atmospheric, cinematic artwork

- Original paintings with strong storytelling elements

Wartime 1940s painting by Tim Shorten exhibited at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington.

About the Artist: Tim Shorten

Tim Shorten is a contemporary British artist known for his evocative, narrative-driven paintings. His work often explores moments in time that feel both familiar and slightly out of reach, with a particular fascination for the visual language and atmosphere of the 1940s.

Through carefully composed scenes, thoughtful lighting, and a restrained, moody palette, Shorten creates paintings that focus on memory, mood, and human presence. Jazz clubs, lamplit streets, and quiet interiors recur in his work, often alongside subtle references to wartime life and service.

Collectors are drawn to Tim Shorten’s paintings for their:

- Strong sense of narrative and atmosphere

- Timeless, cinematic quality

- Emotional depth and quiet drama

- Ability to work beautifully in both modern and traditional interiors

His original paintings are held in private collections and continue to attract interest from collectors who value figurative art with story, mood, and character.

Between Sirens and Saxophones exhibition by artist Tim Shorten at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington

The Artwork: Preview of Paintings from the Exhibition

Below is a curated preview of original paintings from Between Sirens and Saxophones by Tim Shorten. The exhibition includes jazz club scenes, wartime street views, and intimate interior compositions, all painted in Shorten’s distinctive, atmospheric style.

All works shown in the exhibition are available for sale unless marked as sold. For current availability, prices, or further details about any painting, please contact The Acorn Gallery.

Atmospheric 1940s railway steam train scene painted by Tim Shorten, Between Sirens and Saxophones, The flying Scotsman, at The Acorn Gallery in Pocklington

Why Collect Tim Shorten’s Paintings?

Tim Shorten’s work offers collectors the opportunity to own original paintings that combine strong visual appeal with lasting emotional and narrative depth.

His paintings are ideal for collectors who value:

- Original, hand-painted contemporary artwork

- Figurative paintings with story and atmosphere

- 1940s-inspired subject matter with timeless appeal

- Art that is engaging, liveable, and rewarding over time

Whether you are an established art collector or considering your first original painting, Tim Shorten’s work offers an accessible and enduring way to bring character, history, and mood into your home.

Atmosppheric Jazz club painting by Tim Shorten from the Between Sirens and Saxophones exhibition at The Acorn Gallery in Pocklington

Buying Original Art from The Acorn Gallery

All paintings in Between Sirens and Saxophones are available to purchase through The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington.

We are happy to help with:

- Current availability and prices

- Reserving paintings

- Payment options (including instalments, if available)

- UK and international delivery

- Framing advice

If you are interested in a specific painting, or would like to receive a full list of available works from the exhibition, please contact us. We offer friendly, knowledgeable advice and a relaxed, no-pressure buying experience.

Enquire about a painting

 


Visit The Exhibition at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington

Exhibition Dates: Saturday 18th April until Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue: The Acorn Gallery, 5 Market Place, Pocklington YO42 2AS

Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm

The exhibition is open during normal gallery hours. Visitors are very welcome to view the paintings in person, and our team will be happy to discuss the work, the artist, and any purchase enquiries. 

If you are travelling to Pocklington to visit the gallery, we recommend checking opening times in advance or contacting us to arrange a visit. We will open at other times by appointment so do please ask.


The Acorn Gallery – Contemporary Art in Pocklington

The Acorn Gallery is a leading independent art gallery in Pocklington, specialising in contemporary British artists and original paintings. We work closely with our artists and collectors to offer a personal, knowledgeable, and welcoming gallery experience.

Whether you are adding to an existing art collection or buying your first original artwork, we are here to help you find a piece you will enjoy for many years to come.


Discover Tim Shorten at The Acorn Gallery

Visit Between Sirens and Saxophones this April at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington, and explore a powerful new collection of 1940s-inspired paintings by Tim Shorten.

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Enquire about available works