AN ENTRY to an art exhibition has raised eyebrows, being described as ‘a load of rubbish’.

Artist Albert Biggar is featuring his work at Accrington’s Haworth Art Gallery this month, consisting of a plastic laundry basket filled with empty bottles and cans.

The Accrington-based gallery says the piece has seen a number of surprised reactions from visitors, next to entries of paintings and exhibited alongside the world-famous Tiffany glass collection.

One visitor Val Airey said: “I find it insulting that someone thinks me daft enough to consider it as a serious piece of art work.

“I am going to enter my mop and bucket in next year's exhibition, with a selling price of £100!”

However, Yvonne Robins at the gallery said Mr Biggar’s work had stirred up an interesting debate. She said: “I think people do find it surprising to see something like this in Accrington.

“It’s not the kind of art you expect to see at the Haworth. What struck me though, was that people could not stop talking about it. It seems to be the piece that stays with you, and gets everyone thinking. It stands out from the crowd.”

Mr Biggar said he wanted people to question what art should consist of. He said: “I wanted to place everyday objects in an alien environment. Some people may contend that it’s vulgar or immoral to place such an item in an art gallery. I created this to encourage gallery visitors to question ‘What constitutes art?’.”

The exhibition runs until Sunday, December 9, and the Haworth is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from noon to 5pm and on Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 4.30pm.

CRASS – OR CLASSIC?

  • Damien Hirst's now infamous tiger shark encased in formaldehyde was not actually the 1992 Turner Prize winner, but remains that year’s standout nominee.
  • Chris Ofili’s work attracted media hype in 1998 due to his use of resin covered elephant dung. An illustrator protested against his work by depositing dung on the steps of the Tate.
  • In 1999 Tracey Emin's installation of her stained bed was entered for the Turner Prize.
  • This year’s Brighton's 2012 House festival included David Batchelor's £95,000 skip. A skip illuminated by yellow fluorescent strips and caged with wire fences.