BARNSLEY.- World-renowned handcrafted wig and hair extension specialist, Banbury Postiche, is to be a major sponsor of the forthcoming The Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries exhibition, created by award-winning celebrity hairdresser, Andrew Barton Hon. D. Arts. The exhibition the first of its kind is a celebration of Andrew’s 30-year career.

This multimedia exhibition celebrates the creation of iconic hairstyles and showcases hair artistry, while also charting the cultural and economic shifts which have influenced significant hairstyles since the 1950s, with the hairdressing salon being the pillar of the community.

The Civic, in Andrew’s home town of Barnsley, will become the first venue to host this interactive and sensory exhibition, created in partnership with their very own academic, Donna Bevan, and the curator of visual arts for the Hull UK City of Culture 2017, David Sinclair.

Through this unique collaboration, the exhibition will integrate the key innovations in the hair industry, salon environments, technological breakthroughs and the influence of popular culture.

Banbury Postiche is a privately owned company that was founded over 90 years ago in the market town of Banbury, Oxfordshire. Before the advent of ready-to-wear wigs Banbury Postiche produced handcrafted European hair wigs and pieces for different markets from fashionistas, medical and was the main supplier of judge's wigs, throughout the UK and beyond.

The company remains a creative leader, being the first choice for fashion shows, theatres and film professionals who demand beautiful hair. It still continues to be a major innovator, developing new products, working in collaboration with, and training representatives from, the Hair and Beauty Suppliers Association, NHS and private markets.

Andrew Barton says, “It’s fantastic that Banbury Postiche are supporting Beehives, Bobs & Blowdries. Their heritage and expertise is a perfect fit for an exhibition which seeks to explore and celebrate the importance of hair in fashion and culturally to society. We are planning several exciting pieces with this revered company to be unveiled at the exhibition plus there will be a few sneaky previews prior to launch so watch this space!

I have worked with Banbury Postiche throughout my career and highly value their extensive high-quality service and stock. Whether I’ve been working on a fashion catwalk, hair show or client referral they have always had the best offering of wigs and are my first point of call. I’m so thrilled that they will be collaborating with us on the Beehives Bobs & Blowdries exhibition.”

Nick Allen, Sales Director at Banbury Postiche says, “It’s an honour to be working with Andrew Barton on the unique Beehives, Bobs and Blowdries. No other exhibition has explored the role of hair and hairdressers in our society. At Banbury Postiche we continually strive to break new ground - most recently investing in new state-of-the-art facilities - and so it makes sense to support a project which seeks to promote the innovation in, and status held by, our industry.”

In celebration of the exhibition opening, the Civic, Barnsley will host a dedicated fundraising dinner to support The Prince’s Trust, of which Andrew is a Celebrity Ambassador, along with various local initiatives.

The exhibition will open on 17 February 2018 and will run until 7 April before moving to London, then touring worldwide.