ART lovers are being urged to head to Compton Verney this summer which is welcoming visitors again after lockdown.
The award-winning art gallery and park near Stratford currently has two critically-acclaimed exhibitions which had to close after just a few days due to the lockdown, but which have now been extended until January.
* Cranach: Artist & Innovator has been a hit with the critics and public alike. Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) was one of the leading German painters and printmakers of the early sixteenth century. Featured alongside some of his most beguiling paintings and illustrations this exhibition is a display of modern and contemporary works, by artists including Pablo Picasso, Ishbel Myerscough and Michael Landy, all demonstrating Cranach’s enduring artistic influence and legacy over the last five centuries.
* The relationship between fabric and the body has fascinated scientists, philosophers and people working in the creative industries since the late 20th century. In Fabric: Touch & Identity visitors can explore how the inherent sensuality of all types of material has inspired artists down the centuries, with an immersive look at the way textiles can seduce, conceal and reveal through art, design, film and dance. The show features around 20 works by creatives including celebrated fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, weaver Raisa Kabir, painter Alison Watt, sculptor Cathy de Monchaux, and textile designer Reiko Sudo.
The rest of the country house gallery offers a chance to look at Compton Verney’s permanent collections, which feature artistic and historic gems from ancient China, Northern Europe (1450-1650), British Portraits (1542 -1810) and British Folk Art – the UK’s largest collection of artworks, objects and toys dating from the early 1700s through to 1950.
And there is also the chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the 120 acres of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park.
Compton Verney’s Julie Finch, CEO-Director: “It has been of paramount importance to everyone here at Compton Verney that, following the easing of the lockdown restrictions, we do everything we can to make people feel safe, comfortable and welcome, to enjoy the great outdoors, art of national and international standard and attend unique events. We are very focused on the quality of the visit and we will build on this to provide a changing programme through the seasons. We want to enhance wellbeing and creativity, fire the imagination, and be a place of solace.
Visit comptonverney.org.uk for further details.
