RJ Lloyd 1926-2020 Memorial Exhibition at The Burton Art Gallery & Museum

Reginald James Lloyd was an influential British artist known for his semi-abstract style, which drew heavily from his love of nature and his surroundings in Devon.

Largely self-taught, Lloyd worked across various mediums, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, and stained glass, and his works have featured in a number of significant collections, including at the Tate Gallery and the V&A.

One notable collaboration was his friendship with poet Ted Hughes, for whom he illustrated four poetry books. This exhibition includes some of these renowned artworks.

Lloyd lived in Bideford and was strong supporter of The Burton, which purchased the RJ Lloyd Ceramics Collection in 2009. The collection is on permanent display in our Ceramics Gallery.

Lloyd's work remains celebrated for his connection to the natural world, his modernist influences, and his mastery across different artistic forms.

Thrush by RJ Lloyd © the Artist’s estate

RJ Lloyd 1926-2020 Memorial Exhibition
Exhibition dates
26th October – 24th December 2024
Open daily | Free entry

-----  A Burton at Bideford Media Release 👀👀👀 THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ Email: info@theburton.org Tel: 01237 471455   Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery & Museum appoints Harriet Cooper as Director

The Burton at Bideford has announced the appointment of Harriet Cooper as its new Director. She will start her new role on 16th September.

Harriet is a curator known for her developmental work with early-career artists, expertise in commissioning new work, and strategic leadership of national partnership projects. Her most recent roles have included Project Director at Southwark Park Galleries for national touring exhibition ‘Jerwood Survey III’; Curator of the UAL Art Collection; and member of the Arts Council Collection Acquisitions Committee 2022-25.

From 2018-22 Harriet was Head of Visual Arts for independent funder Jerwood Arts, supporting over 85 early-career visual artists, curators and arts writers to create ambitious new works, and building partnerships with 18 visual arts organisations across the UK. In this role she spearheaded pioneering new programmes including Jerwood Curatorial Accelerator – a 12-month curatorial and leadership development programme for curators from working class/low socio-economic backgrounds – and strategically shaped specialist commissioning initiatives such as Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open and the Jerwood/Photoworks Awards.

Harriet was co-curator of Phyllida Barlow’s celebrated solo commission ‘folly’ for the British Pavilion at the 57th Venice Art Biennale in 2017 and worked with Delhi-based Raqs Media Collective in 2018 to develop the project ‘Not Yet At Ease’ for 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary. She has previously worked in the curatorial teams at Firstsite in Colchester, the British Council in London, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Tate Liverpool, and has served as an independent member of the Cymru yn Fenis Wales in Venice Advisory Committee.

Harriet said: “As a passionate advocate for the importance of art and artists in society, I am thrilled to join The Burton at this pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey. Since it was founded in 1951 The Burton has been committed to celebrating, exhibiting and nurturing artists, and I am looking forward to working with the incredible team of trustees, staff and volunteers to continue this essential legacy. The Burton is renowned as one of North Devon’s most important creative destinations and it is an honour to guide its next steps as the team strive to centre accessibility and sustainability in plans to improve the building, extend outreach and education programmes, and present even more ambitious projects and exhibitions for our audiences.”

Chair of The Burton trustees Robert Millward commented: “"I am certain that the appointment of Harriet as our new Director will help all of us at The Burton, staff and trustees alike, expand our horizons and consider novel and innovative ways to further improve and grow our wonderful gallery."

The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum is a National Portfolio Organisation and one of the leading cultural venues within the South West, attracting over 180,000 visitors last year. It is situated in the historic town of Bideford, where art, craft and maritime heritage meet at the water’s edge. With two exhibition spaces, heritage displays, craft gallery, a retail area, an education space and a café, The Burton attracts a wide range of audiences and provides the opportunity to access and engage with artists, collections and exhibitions on all levels. Placing community at the heart of all its activities, The Burton offers a rich outreach programme for those who don’t have easy access to a traditional arts venue.

The exhibition programme brings some of the most celebrated international artists to North Devon in partnership with leading organisations such as Tate, Arts Council Collection and the British Museum. Recent exhibitions include solo presentations by Louise Bourgeois (Tate ARTIST ROOMS), Paula Rego, and Yinka Shonibare CBE; while the Annual Schools Exhibition, Westward Ho! & Bideford Art Society Annual Open Exhibition and Annual Friends Exhibition highlight the thriving artistic community in the region.

The Burton also supports contemporary artists through its annual Environmental and Ceramics Commissions, which offer an artist access to our collections and the opportunity to produce a body of work in response. The positions are currently held by Cornwall-based Andy Hughes (Environmental Commission) and Glasgow-based Florence Dwyer (Ceramics Commission).

Originally established to house the collections of Hubert Coop RBA, The Burton now displays a rich array of artefacts that vividly capture the history of Bideford and its surrounding area. The museum's dedicated Ceramics Gallery features the RJ Lloyd Collection, renowned for its North Devon slipware, and the Christine Halstead Collection of studio ware, providing an insightful introduction to the region’s ceramic heritage. The Permanent Collection also features work by artists including Gillian Ayres, Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA FRS, Aubrey Hunt, Bertram Prance, James Ravilious, and the archive of Mary Stella Edwards and Judith Ackland.

 

Harriet Cooper. Photo copyright Carole Evans (All Rights Reserved)

Westward Ho! & Bideford Art Society show opens at The Burton this month

The Annual Open exhibition showcases the wealth of artistic talent in the region

The Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society (WHOBIDARTS) Annual Open Exhibition returns to The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery & Museum later this month.

A highlight of the North Devon arts calendar, the annual WHOBIDARTS show features work by both established and up-and-coming artists in a range of media, from paint and print to sculpture, ceramics and textiles.

The exhibition is open to members and associates of the Society as well as non-members, with an eclectic mix of over 200 artworks on display, many of which will be available to buy.

The Ken Doughty prize for excellence – in commemoration of the Society’s past president – will be awarded to an outstanding artwork chosen from the exhibition. Ken Doughty served as chairman from 1993 and president from 2002. Last year’s winner was Sue Luxton for her painting Midnight Kitchen.

Gill Jones, the Chair of WHOBIDARTS, commented
“We are delighted to be at The Burton once again to exhibit work by so many of our local artists. We hope the variety will delight our visitors. It usually does!”

The Annual Open Exhibition runs at The Burton from 24 August until 13 October 2024. Admission is free.

 

Midnight Kitchen by Sue Luxton © Sue Luxton

 

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A Burton at Bideford Media Release

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

Burton At Bideford wins £120k of Arts Council England funding to improve sustainability

The Burton At Bideford art gallery and museum has been awarded a £120,000 grant from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

This funding will enable The Burton to continue providing high-quality creative and cultural experiences for people in North Devon, while reducing the organisation’s environmental impact.

The money will be used to improve the sustainability of the Burton building, with plans to install solar PV panels and update the glazing on the front elevation, as well as modernising the heating systems and bathrooms.

The funding also includes commissioning opportunities for local artists, helping The Burton to further build its reputation for supporting work about the environment through its series of Environmental Commissions.

The Capital Investment Programme supports the Arts Council’s mission to ensure communities across the country have the infrastructure where creativity for everyone can thrive.

Carole Evans, Co-Director (Interim), Learning & Engagement at The Burton, said: “In a landscape of rising energy costs, the past couple of years have been challenging for The Burton – as a charity we rely on grants and donations to continue the valuable work we do. This funding from Arts Council England will reduce our costs over the long term, allowing more of our precious funds to go to providing outreach projects, free workshops for children, and continuing to bring high-quality exhibitions to North Devon.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “This infrastructure investment will help a whole range of different cultural organisations across England to flourish, increasing opportunities for people to enjoy creatively excellent cultural events close to where they live. It’s particularly important that we’re making this happen in communities where cultural investment has historically been low”.

Burton Art Gallery launches Bideford Photomonth 3rd May – 2nd June

Bideford Photomonth is a celebration of photography and rural life. The Burton Art Gallery in Bideford, North Devon will host a photography exhibition of two photographers who cross generations. Internationally renowned photographer Martin Parr will be showing alongside Devon based photographer Robert Darch. Together, they will share their view of rural life; a contrast to the James Ravilious prints in the Burton’s own collection which will also be on display.

Together, they will share their view of rural life; a contrast to the James Ravilious prints in the Burton’s own collection which will also be on display.

To coincide with these shows, we have created Bideford Photomonth during May.Visible Bideford, a series of portraits by Anita Corbin exhibited in shop windows, will lead visitors from the Burton up to Bideford Pannier Market, where there will be an exhibition of Gideon Mendel’s work When I’m 40. This work, commissioned by Beaford in 2023, depicts local children aged 9 or 10 years old wondering about what their favourite place will look like in 40 years time, raising questions about the climate and our local environment. Visible Bideford was made by Anita Corbin in October 2022; the photographs are a celebration of friendship and community, depicting both locals and visitors to our Little White Town.

Throughout the month of May, the Burton will host a number of workshops, talks and events to accompany these exhibitions. Our Art Box will be turned into a Camera Obscura by local artist Stephen Raff, and look out for workshops run by Foto-Now in the town and surrounding area.

We Need You!

North Devon is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one of many on this island we call home. To celebrate the beauty of the British countryside, we want to collect your photographs. Please submit any photographs you have through Instagram using the hashtag #ruralconnections. Each day through May we will show a selection of these on a screen in the gallery.

Photo credit Robert Darch. (All Rights Reserved)

Young Bulls Eating Thistle Heads, July 1981. Photo credit Martin Parr (All Rights Reserved)

 When I’m 40. Photo credits Gideon Mendel

Visible Bideford. Photo credit Anita Corben

(All Rights Reserved)

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

March Highlights. The Burton celebrates local talent of all ages in their latest exhibitions

The popular Friends Annual Open and The Annual Schools exhibitions have opened their doors at the Burton Art Gallery. The galleries are bursting with artwork from an array of local talented artists and our next generation of artists. A feast for the eyes, the shows are not to be missed!

The Annual Schools Exhibition plays a crucial role in shaping the future of culture by nurturing and encouraging the young artists of tomorrow. This year the show has filled gallery one with vibrancy, colour and creativity; celebrating the talents of our next generation of artists while also celebrating our inspiring teachers in the schools of Torridge and beyond.

Featuring hundreds of work by young people aged 5 to 18 years who attend local primary and secondary schools, the exhibition is a firm favourite that never fails to delight and impress. It’s an opportunity for aspiring artists to showcase their talents as well as receive recognition and support, and gain valuable experience in the arts. With generous sponsorship from The North Devon Arts Society, the exhibition encourages young artists to strive for excellence with the opportunity to win prizes for the most innovative and original artwork.

Gallery two showcases The Friends Annual Open exhibition. A calendar favourite the show is organised as a fundraising event by the Friends of the Burton, offering an opportunity for local artists, both amateur and professional, to exhibit alongside each other. Featuring an eclectic mix of print, paintings, textiles, ceramics and more.

The work of the Burton at Bideford is supported by the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of the Friends of the Burton Art Gallery. The Friends are a separate charity that support and enhance the Burton’s work. The Friends of the Burton get involved in fundraising, sponsorship of events and acquisitions, and promotion of The Burton throughout the region.

The Burton at Bideford is lucky enough to work with a number of key partner organisations, generous artists and local business people who help provide support for us to achieve our daily work and future ambitions. As a registered charity, The Burton rely on the kindness of others to help us continue to provide excellent exhibitions, events and facilities. Donations enable us to grow our exhibition and learning programmes, build our collections and develop the technology offered at the Burton.
 

Both exhibitions are on display until April 7

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The Burton Art Gallery & Museum, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2QQ
Tel: 01237 471455 www.theburton.org

Facebook | Instagram

Mon-Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 11am-4pm Admission is free

New Exhibition at the Burton Art Gallery. 'Water Vessels – Sampling the Torridge' Ceramics by Rupert Johnstone

A new exhibition of contemporary ceramics by South West based artist Rupert Johnstone opens at the Burton on 16 December.

In 2022, Rupert Johnstone was commissioned by the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum to respond to the environment and climate change through the medium of ceramics. The result is a fascinating and visually striking exhibition of clay pots with significant local relevance.

The exhibition is the culmination of a year-long project which saw the artist walk the length of the River Torridge collecting water and clay from which to make a series of ceramic vessels and glazes. What emerges is a document of his journey along the banks of the river and a poignant commentary on the environment, geology and ecology of the River Torridge from its source in North West Devon to the estuarine mouth in Bideford.

Based just outside Exeter, Rupert Johnstone is an artist, maker and teacher who works principally in clay and exhibits his work widely in craft galleries both within the UK and abroad. This is the artist’s second collaboration with the Burton at Bideford.

The exhibition is open daily from 16 December and runs until February 2024. Entrance is free

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The Burton’s Environmental Commission

Water Vessels – Sampling the Torridge

Ceramics by Rupert Johnstone

16 December 2023 - 3 March 2024

FREE entry

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois opens at the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum this November

A new exhibition opening at the Burton includes sculptures, prints and drawings by the acclaimed French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. Eight decades of intense creativity firmly established Louise Bourgeois as a giant of 20th century art. Through this exhibition, the Burton at Bideford makes her ground-breaking work freely available to the people of North Devon for the first time.

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois opens at the Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum on Friday 17 November, 6-8pm, and runs until 11 February 2024. Admission is free.

Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois settled in New York in 1938, where she remained for the rest of her life, continuing to make art until her death at the age of 98. Her endlessly inventive work, inspired by her memories and experiences, spanned monumental installations, figurative sculptures, fabric collages, and drawings. She is perhaps best known for the large-scale spider sculptures that she produced in the last decades of her life, including one she created for the opening of Tate Modern in 2000.

Bourgeois’s art was closely bound up with her life, and she used artmaking as a way to make sense of her experiences. Her sculpture, drawing, and writing are characterised by emotional honesty, and she reworked her ideas in different forms and materials including marble, bronze, latex, and fabric, compelled by the need to make and re-make.

This exhibition focuses on works produced during the last 20 years of her life, a period of extraordinary creativity, during which Bourgeois re-examined many of her lifelong concerns to create a body of powerful new work exploring identity, gender, childhood, family and motherhood. Personal, provocative and raw, Bourgeois’s work reaches us with a powerful immediacy more than a decade after her death.

ARTIST ROOMS presents the work of international artists in solo exhibitions drawn from a national touring collection jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. This exhibition is drawn from the ARTIST ROOMS collection and includes works on loan from The Easton Foundation and Tate. This is the Burton at Bideford’s third collaboration with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland through the ARTIST ROOMS programme, and follows presentations of internationally renowned artists Richard Long (2014) and Diane Arbus (2018).

Warren Collum, Interim Co-Director of the Burton, said:

“Working in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland through the ARTIST ROOMS programme for the third time to present one of the twentieth century's most influential female sculptors, Louise Bourgeois, is a unique opportunity.

This show not only celebrates art but also emphasises the need to bring culture to rural areas, as well as putting a light on the strength and ingenuity of women in the creative world.”

The ARTIST ROOMS programme provides support for young people to get involved in creative projects, discover more about art and artists, and learn new skills. A Burton Youth Collective will be supported through ARTIST ROOMS by Art Fund and Henry Moore Foundation, providing local teenagers with the opportunity to explore a career in the arts, experience life behind the scenes of an arts organisation, and work alongside practising artists. Sessions are open to young people aged 13-19 years. Places are limited and anyone interested is advised to contact the gallery to check availability and register their interest.

Louise Bourgeois Spirals 2005
ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Lent by Artist Rooms Foundation 2013
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2023. Photo © Tate

Louise Bourgeois 10am is When You Come to Me 2006
ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Lent by Artist Rooms Foundation 2013
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2023. Photo © Tate

THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

Contemporary Artist, Louise Bourgeois coming to the Burton at Bideford in November

French-American artist Louise Bourgeois is widely recognised as one of the most important and influential figures of modern and contemporary art, with a career spanning eight decades from the 1930s to 2010. 

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois brings together works which she made during the last twenty years of her life, a period of extraordinary creativity.

Bourgeois’s art was often autobiographical, exploring themes such as childhood, family, motherhood, identity and gender. She reworked her ideas in different forms and materials, creating large-scale sculpture and installation, painting, printmaking, drawing and textiles. Both biographical and universal, Bourgeois’s work reaches us with a powerful immediacy more than a decade after her death.

This is the Burton at Bideford’s third collaboration with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland through the ARTIST ROOMS programme, and follows presentations of internationally renowned artists Richard Long (2014) and Diane Arbus (2018)

Exhibition launch: Friday 17 November, 6-8pm

Join Burton at Bideford and special guests from Tate to celebrate the exhibition opening

 The Burton Art Gallery & Museum, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2QQ

Current & upcoming exhibitions > 

Exhibition of contemporary ceramics by British artist shortlisted for top award comes to the Burton this September

An exhibition of contemporary ceramics by one of the most innovative British artists working in the medium today opens at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday 30 September.

Rebecca Appleby is a highly respected artist who pushes the boundaries of what is possible with clay. Her new body of work explores the Gaia theory – the theory that everything on earth is interconnected.

In this timely exhibition, Appleby asks us to re-consider our relationship to our environment using her own distinct visual language. Using the form of the sphere and the hemisphere, she makes the link between the hemispheres of the human brain and the planet. We can’t escape the fact that what we do to the earth, we essentially do to ourselves.

Rebecca Appleby brings a painterly and sculptural eye to her work, which has continued to gain her recognition in the world of contemporary ceramics. Earlier this year, Appleby was selected as one of ten artists to produce new work for the British Ceramics Biennial Award 2023.

Award is the headline exhibition in the British Ceramics Biennial, an international contemporary ceramics festival that takes place in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics. One artist from the exhibition will be awarded a £10,000 prize. The winner will be announced at the end of September, which coincides with the opening of the exhibition at the Burton.

Rebecca Appleby © David Fulford

Rebecca Appleby © David Fulford

Rebecca Appleby: Matter

Exhibition dates: Saturday 30 September - Monday 4 December

Open daily | FREE entry

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 TAP HERE visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

 

Internationally acclaimed artist, Ian Davenport, comes to the Burton.

The Burton at Bideford will welcome acclaimed British artist, Ian Davenport, to the gallery on Saturday 16 September to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition of the artist’s work. It marks another significant coup for the gallery, which continues to bring high profile exhibitions to North Devon.

Ian Davenport studied at Goldsmiths College, where he graduated in 1988 as one of the generation of Young British Artists who participated in the seminal exhibition, Freeze, organized by Damien Hirst.

In bringing together works from throughout Davenport’s career, the exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to clearly see the evolution the artist’s work from his early days as a student at Goldsmiths to the present day. Many of the works have never been displayed together before, making this exhibition a must-see for all art enthusiasts.

Ian Davenport is well known for his abstract paintings, which explore the materiality and process of applying paint. In recent years, his work has consisted of carefully poured lines of acrylic paint down a surface, which puddle and pool at the bottom. This technique allows him to explore complex arrangements of line and colour. Over the past ten years, he has also turned his attention to screen-printing and etching, building an impressive body of graphic work.

In 1991, he was nominated for the Turner Prize and remains the youngest ever nominee for the prestigious art prize. He has exhibited extensively all over the world and his work is held in important museum collections including: Arts Council of Great Britain; Tate in London; Centre Pompidou in Paris; and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

A new fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition. Designed by Herman Lelie and Stefania Bonelli, it is the first of Davenport’s exhibition catalogues to be narrated by the artist himself.

The exhibition has been produced in collaboration with the Cristea Roberts Gallery in London, the exclusive worldwide representative for Ian Davenport’s original prints.

Olivia Desborough from the Burton says,

Ian Davenport’s work has a significant place in the history of contemporary art in Britain and we are honoured to be exhibiting it here at the Burton.

The exhibition will allow visitors a rare insight into the evolution of an artistic practice and into the workings of a creative mind. Furthermore, the exhibition catalogue will bring a fresh new perspective with words from the artist himself.

With an immediate appeal to visitors of all ages, we hope everyone will come along and enjoy what promises to be a remarkable exhibition.

As ever, we remain grateful to Torridge District Council and the Arts Council of England whose generous funding makes what we do possible.

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Exhibition launch and opportunity to meet the artist:
Saturday 16th September, 6-8pm
All welcome | FREE entry
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Ian Davenport: 'Works on Paper' opens Saturday 16 September 

and runs until Friday 3rd November.
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The gallery, museum and shop are open daily. Admission is free.

 Kamuro Copyright Ian Davenport, 2019. (All Rights Reserved). 

Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates 

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 TAP HERE visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

The art of bringing stories to life with the Burton at Bideford

We enjoyed two of the recent exhibitions at the Burton at Bideford, 'Celebrating 40 Years of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse' was an emotive journey through time illustrating his iconic novel written in 1982, its stage adaption in 2007 culminating in the award winning film, directed by Stephen Spielberg, in 2011. This ran alongside 'The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups' bringing together contemporary work created by local people in response to the Burton at Bideford's Permanent Collection of art, an interesting concept, which included work by the Burton Young Photographers, Women's First and Devon Recovery Learning Community.

Celebrating the history of the area with local art & ceramic exhibitions and a host of art and craft workshops for all ages, we are so lucky to have such a bright spot in Bideford. The graphic designs on the exterior walls were created back in June 2021 by exhibiting artist Lucy McLauchlan, a nod to her amazing exhibition: Woodlands, Wastelands & Waterways.

The Burton Art Gallery and Museum is situated on the Pill beside Victoria Park so you can check out the exhibitions and collections, take a coffee break at the Cafe du Parc and finish with a stroll around the park.

 

Bideford bright spot - Photo credit Pat Adams

 

The Art Box & Kiln, Burton at Bideford - Photo credit Pat Adams

 

Artist, Lucy McLauchlan, a nod to her amazing exhibition: Woodlands, Wastelands at Burton at Bideford 2021. Photo credit Pat Adams

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Current Exhibitions

'Revealing the Human Form' is a new exhibition showcasing the work of renowned British sculptors including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jacob Epstein and Antony Gormley. 15th July-5th September

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Jam Westwood: Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories - A collection of reimagined historical artefacts made by Jam Westwood

17th June-19th September

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The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum are open daily. Admission is free.

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 TAP HERE to visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

Retelling Her-story: a new ceramics exhibition at the Burton

Retelling Her-story: a new ceramics exhibition at the Burton explores the role of women in contemporary society and the history of art

A fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition of work by Jam Westwood, a ceramicist and conceptual artist from the North East of England, opens at the Burton on Saturday 17 June.

Jam Westwood was recently interviewed by Grayson Perry on Channel 4 as part of the third season of Grayson's Art Club.

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is an exhibition of re-imagined historical artefacts that explores the reality of the everyday experience of women in society today. It’s an exhibition that throws light onto the physical, social, professional and domestic injustices encountered on a daily basis. It also asks us to question whether society is as progressive as we might think.

Dealing with often heavy and challenging subject matters, Jam Westwood’s work is actually full of lightness, humour and playfulness to delight audiences. There’s an ultimate message of hope too.

Featuring a collection of carefully crafted vessels, vases, bowls and coins, these are pieces that wouldn’t initially look out of place in a traditional museum cabinet. Yet a closer inspection tells a very different story.

We see works that celebrate the menstrual cycle and the various different experiences of the menopause. There are also works that reclaim the derogatory terms that have been used to insult women throughout history alongside works that challenge gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity.

Many of the finished works have been deliberately broken or chipped. This gives them the gravitas of age while also alluding to the repeated injury and damage done to women throughout history. It also speaks of the artist’s desire to break taboos and disrupt the dominant narrative in which the female voice can be hard to hear.

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is an arresting exhibition that asks us to look at how we live. What is the history we are writing? What is the history we want to be a part of?

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories opens on 17 June and runs until 19 September.

There is opportunity to meet the artist in person at the gallery on Saturday 17 June, 2pm.

The gallery, museum and shop are open daily. Admission is free.

 

Tell Me Again© Jam Westwood

Menses (The Period God) © Jam Westwood

 

Queen Jane of Faceburgh © Jam Westwood

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ
(e) info@theburton.org (t) 01237 471455 (w) www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

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ABOUT THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

The Burton at Bideford seeks new Trustees to help grow the arts and culture in North Devon

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016 and is currently looking to recruit new Trustees to the Board.

With North Devon highlighted as a priority area by the government for arts funding, there’s no better time to get involved.

The role of Trustee is very rewarding, providing an opportunity to give something back to your local community and the arts in the South West. We are happy to receive applications from experienced Trustees or those who are new to the role of Trustee.

The Burton would particularly like to receive applications from potential Trustees with an interest in and experience of the arts, and with a fundraising, finance, legal or education background. However, applications are welcome from anyone who feels that they have skills and experience to offer the Burton.

The Burton also welcome applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the UK arts sector. This includes those who identify as D/deaf, disabled, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent; those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or living or working in areas of socio-economic deprivation; as well as people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and marginalised groups.

As well as being a registered charity, the Burton also became an Arts Council Funded National Portfolio Organisation in 2018 and has recently had confirmation of another three years of funding for 2023-2026. We pride ourselves on offering an exciting programme of exhibitions as well as a wide range of other activities including developing educational work, outreach activities, workshops, supporting local artists, volunteers and making the Burton a wonderful place to visit for the whole community as well as visitors to the area.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join our Board.  

Full details including how to apply is available on our website:

www.burtonartgallery.co.uk/vacancies 

Queries about the role should be directed to chair@theburton.org

The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum are open daily. Admission is free.
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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ