What's On Burton at Bideford. Coming soon 'Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories'

Our artefacts become our stories – episodes of human life, recorded and preserved. They travel through time and they speak in the future. Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is a reimagined museum collection of historical artefacts, each telling its own story – each an episode of everyday lived experience for women today.

This exhibition features a collection of carefully crafted vessels, vases, bowls and coins that make direct reference to the female experience, and in particular to the physical, social, professional and domestic injustices encountered on a daily basis. At a cursory glance, none of these objects would look out of place in a traditional museum cabinet, and yet a closer look reveals a very different story. The stories they tell cast light on the real and often disconcerting position that women have in contemporary society.

Ready for analysis, ripe for understanding and raring to speak, the artefacts that Jam Westwood presents in this arresting exhibition, ask us to consider whether modern society really is as progressive or as civilised as many would have us believe. Or is it up to historians of the future to hear the voice of 21st century woman?

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is an exhibition that highlights the importance of giving space to the female voice, and perhaps no where is it more important than inside the institutions that have traditionally been dominated by the masculine and the male gaze.

 

Queen Jane of Faceburgh © Jam Westwood

 

 Pretty Plead © 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
Open daily | Free entry (donations welcome)

What's On Burton at Bideford. Exhibition: The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups

A fresh look at the Burton at Bideford’s Permanent Collection of art through the eyes of the town’s local community

A new must-see exhibition at the Burton takes a refreshing look at the gallery’s Permanent Collection of art and has been co-curated by three local community groups in collaboration with gallery staff.

Over the course of the past six months, Women’s First, Devon Recovery Learning Community, and the Burton Young Photographers, have had a unique opportunity to delve into the gallery’s store and take a closer look at their Permanent Collection.

Under the expert guidance of the Learning and Engagement team, participants were invited to explore works from the Collection in relation to their own personal stories and lived experiences. They were then encouraged to create their own art in response.

Participants learned a variety of skills in the process, including printmaking, photography and collage. The exhibition showcases participants’ work alongside rarely exhibited works from the Burton’s Permanent Collection.

In looking at art from the past from a variety of new and contemporary perspectives, we’re reminded just how relevant art is in our modern day world. The exhibition also highlights the importance of art and creativity to good mental health and wellbeing.

Carole Evans, Learning and Engaging Manager says,

This collection was left to the Burton for the people of Bideford to enjoy. What better way to do so than to provide opportunities for members of the community to spend time with the artworks, and then creatively respond? Through the eyes of the community groups, the paintings from the collection become more meaningful and more relevant to today’s society. The new work provides an insight into what concerns people who live here today, in particular the benefit of creativity to wellbeing.

 

In commenting about the project, one of the participant says,

Art is my passion. To be a part of this exhibition means everything to me. I would never have imagined I would be involved with something like this. It’s dreams coming true.

Women’s First is a project run by Encompass and aims to support women who are rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation.

Devon Recovery Learning Community is a free, open access service funded by Devon Partnership NHS Trust to support mental health and wellbeing.

The Burton Young Photographers are a group of 14 -18 year olds who have been meeting at the Burton on Tuesdays after school to learn the art of photographic portraiture through a series of free workshops funded by the Fine Arts Society.

  

The Permanent Collection: Curated by Community Groups is open daily from 22 May until 4 July. Admission is free.

 

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Burton at Bideford Permanent Collection: Estuary by Reginald James Lloyd © the artist

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The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups
22nd May-4th July

TAP HERE TO VISIT THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD WEBSITE

Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon. EX39 2QQ  

Celebrating the King's Coronation at Edenmore Nursing Home, Ilfracombe

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe hosted its Coronation Party to celebrate the crowning of our King. Residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, celebrated in style with a special appearance from Edenmore’s very own King and Archbishop, along with Guardsmen.

Home Manager Gayle said, “It's wonderful to see both family and team members enjoying themselves while working together to create this momentous day for everyone”.

The team at Edenmore have been hard at work creating costumes ready for the coronation party with special Coldstream Guards uniforms handmade by team member, Teresa, ready to celebrate the joyous occasion. The creation marks the start of what’s to come for the team and family members, a party not to be missed.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a home based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. Its approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, and one’s journey in life, the team at Edenmore Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com