'The Dance of Death 2025' by Archie Proudfoot

This Halloween Archie Proudfoot will revive and reimagine Hans Holbein’s classic satirical series ‘The Dance of Death’.

For Holbein this dance was intended as a reminder of mortality for its viewers but it was also an opportunity for social commentary; his allegorical figures of Death torment the rich and powerful while helping the poor. Proudfoot’s updated series continues in this tradition.

So now, instead of Holbein’s ‘The Knight’ being skewered by Death with his own lance, we have ‘The Landlord’ with Death spearing him using the ‘For Sale’ sign from his latest buy-to -let property purchase. Meanwhile, Death steals a wallet for ‘The Homeless’ man next to the cashpoint, and he ruins the ‘The Influencer’s mirror selfie.

On it goes with Holbein’s Renaissance world of characters replaced one by one with the first dozen in Proudfoot’s interpretation for how The Dance of Death would look in 2025.

The show will also see the launch of a new football team: Death FC, a playful take on the cynically commercialised world of modern football. The official Death FC 25/26 Home and Away Kits will be available to purchase for the first time.

For Archie death is not the end, it is a renewing force that reinvigorates life. ‘The Dance of Death 2025’ promises to be a raucous and carnivalesque take on how we live with our own mortality today.

Opening times 30th October - 2nd November:

Thursday Private View: 6-9pm

Friday: 12p-7pm

Saturday: 11am - 6pm

Sunday: 11am - 5pm

For more details and RSVP to private view email hello@archieproudfoot.com