Industrial Revolution II showcases the work of two artists, Russell Hatton and Ray Lonsdale. Both began their careers in fields not conventionally considered to be artistic, but have ingeniously adapted materials and techniques to give their art an unusual edge.

Much of their work is designed to be viewed outdoors in natural light. Therefore, although the bulk of the exhibition will be housed in the Gallery at 94, a portion of the work will be presented by the gallery at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from May 19 th – 23 rd . This provides the viewer with the opportunity to experience the art in completely different environments.

Russell Hatton's work betrays a stunning mastery of colour. His career began with bespoke vehicle building and repairs. During this time Hatton developed an understanding of the qualities of sheet metal, and began to see the creative potential of a material which could be dismissed by some as merely industrial.

In Hatton's work, Acrylic, water-based metallic, xyrallic, pearlescent and holographic paints are applied over an aluminium surface. The paint is layered several times and then immaculately polished by hand, creating a richness that cannot be achieved with traditional paints. This pursuit of colour results in a visual experience that is truly unique. During the last year, Hatton's mesmerising abstract paintings have had enormous success following their launch in the Midlands.

Ray Lonsdale, a steel fabricator from Durham, started out in 1993 designing and creating anti vandalism street furniture, such as bins and benches. He then began making sculptures from steel, and entered the televised competition ‘Hanging Jury' at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle in 2003, winning The People's Award. His sculptures have found homes in gardens across the UK and in Europe.

Lonsdale's collections illustrate his fascination with the human form. Built from steel, his work conveys incredible sensitivity and emotion. His figures are made even more intriguing by the ‘secret meaning' contained within the head of his sculptures: created in a 3D mosaic profile, each head contains a different object which provides a greater meaning to each piece.