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

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/burtonartgallery/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/burtonatbideford

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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