Opening – 2.15pm Sunday 20th September 2015
Closes -Sunday 4th October 2015
An exhibition of work by
Ann Rapstoff
Anna Simpson
Annabel Ralphs
Claudia Figueiredo
Ellen Hausner
Helen Ganly
Jonathan Moss
This exciting exhibition is the culmination of a series of discussions between the Abbey Community and Les Mcminn. The Abbey has over the years had many connections with our artists.
The original idea came from discussions I had been having with members of the small community of the Abbey, in particular how we might collaborate.
The possibility of an exhibition of MRS artists work held the Abbey gained early support at a Filament 14 steering group Les was a member of. The idea of MRS artists responding in a variety of ways to the Abbey buildings and land quickly took of.
Over the last twelve months there has been a variety of visits of MRS artists, both as a large group and as individuals, to the Abbey, where staff have been totally supportive of the venture, allowing access to artists throughout the small estate and the premises. This allowed individuals to respond in their own way to the Abbey and its broader environment and the exhibition will feature a wide range of works. These will be situated both within the buildings and outside in the grounds and highlight the extensive range of working art practices that MRS now supports and develops.
The Abbey is a unique building with aspects dating back to the 13C.
Artists have responded to an eclectic range of features - historical, architectural and cultural. The buildings and grounds have a rich and complex history with a unique and constantly evolving pattern of ownership up to and including the life of current community. Sutton Courtenay itself has an interesting history and in the 20C through the Astor family, links to particular aspects of the post-war British political scene. In the graveyard of the local church Eric Blair (George Orwell) is buried.
The exhibition will really highlight the ways in which a group of artists of varying sensibilities are able to create a fascinating mix of works that express individual reactions to place, landscape and history.
