Honiton: New Blackdown Hills exhibition at Thelma Hulbert coming soon

A new exhibition at Thelma Hulbert will examine the history of the Blackdown Hills.

The Blackdown Hills is an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) located close to Honiton. It is a relatively undeveloped area straddling Devon and Somerset, encompassing small farms, deep valleys and small hamlets. 

The exhibition has been created by Tim Craven, Sandra Higgins and Fiona McIntyre.

Between 1911 and 1925 the Blackdown Hills were a source of inspiration for members of the avant-garde painters from a group known as Camden Town Group. 

These artists captured the ancient landscape - and now the area will be re-examined through new eyes. 

This spring 36 contemporary artists will recapture the same Devon sites that were originally painted by Spencer Gore, Charles Ginner and Robert Bevan of the Camden Town Group. 

The area of the Blackdown Hills has changed little in the past 100 years, partly due to its accessibility for modern development. It was designated an AONB in 1991.

The exhibition will provide an insight into the historic, ecological, social and industrial issues specific to the Blackdown Hills over the past 100 years. It will also consider why the Camden Town Group were so attracted to it. The contemporary and historic pieces of art will be displayed alongside each other. 

Ruth Gooding, Curator and Arts Development Manager at Thelma Hulbert said: "This exhibition is a remarkable achievement. 

"Not only have 36 new artworks been created, relationships have been forged across the Blackdown Hills connecting nature conservationists, local artist groups, landowners, art historians, international curators and artists, young people and our local communities.

"Thelma Hulbert Gallery, once home to artist Thelma Hulbert, is delighted to be shining a spotlight on the Camden Town Group's activity in the area and the art historical importance of the landscapes surrounding the gallery. 

"Thelma Hulbert's first professional exhibition was with The London Group in 1938 (the group which succeeded the Camden Town Group). On display alongside this exhibition are key works from our collection."

The exhibition, which runs between March 18 and 3 June, will kick off with an Opening Talk about Stanislawa de Karlowska with Patrick Baty.

There will be other talks taking place in May and June. 

You can find out more information here.

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