Image courtesy of the John Piper Estate
Watercolours and drawings by world famous artists including JMW Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, Samuel Palmer and David Jones will be on display alongside original manuscripts by William and Mary Wordsworth at two museums in South Wales this summer.
‘SITES OF INSPIRATION – Tintern Abbey and Llanthony Priory’ are two free exhibitions by Monmouthshire Museum’s service. Chepstow Museum’s gallery will display art, manuscripts and archaeology inspired by Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley and Abergavenny Museum will show work depicting Llanthony Priory in the Llanthony Valley.
“These spectacular historic sites on our doorsteps have inspired famous artists, writers and poets throughout the years” said Anne Rainsbury, curator at Chepstow Museum. “It’s the first time such comprehensive collections of artworks and artefacts have been brought back here, to the places where they were created and it’s tremendously exciting.”
The exhibitions have been funded by a Sharing Treasures grant from the Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund which enables Chepstow and Abergavenny museums to loan objects from galleries across Britain, including the Tate, British Museum, V&A, The Ashmolean, National Library of Wales, CADW and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.
“This summer’s exhibitions at Chepstow and Abergavenny Museums are a once in a lifetime opportunity to see world class art and archaeology close to their sites of inspiration. We extend a warm welcome to everyone to come and find out how artists throughout the years have interpreted the beautiful landscape we live in” added Abergavenny Museum Curator Karin Molson.
The exhibitions will run from May 24th to September 28th 2014. A series of promotional events will also be held throughout the summer, including a ‘Walking with Wordsworth’ tour of the poet’s favourite spots and a number of activities at the sites themselves.
For more information see www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/museums
