BLACK Swan Arts have joined forces with Somerset Art Works for their first exhibition since last year’s coronavirus lockdown.
The charity report, “‘In Pursuit of Spring’ has been inspired by poet Edward Thomas’ account of his journey by bicycle between London and Somerset to meet the arrival of spring in 1913.
“Responding to various themes in Thomas’ book, In Pursuit of Spring, such as hope, change and renewal, around 50 Somerset Art Works members have created artwork to illustrate the Somerset leg of Thomas’ journey.
“He enters the county near Farleigh Hungerford and travels west through Norton St Philip, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury, eventually arriving on Cothelstone Hill in the Quantocks on 28th March, as the storm clouds of the Great War gathered. Thomas was killed four years later at the Battle of Arras. The work will be displayed alongside text from the book which is published by Little Toller Books of Dorset.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the natural world has been an important consolation for many of us. Now, when we all need a sense of hope and renewal, Thomas’ descriptions of springtime Somerset – the ‘noble elms’, verdant banks teaming with celandine, pennywort and cranesbill, the calls of larks and linnets – are a poignant reminder of the beauty of our county. This exhibition brings together Thomas’ text with contemporary images and representations of Somerset, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the reopening of Black Swan Arts – almost 108 years to the day since Thomas completed his journey.
“As well as the physical exhibition, Black Swan Arts will host a carefully curated online exhibition, including short films about selected artists. If coronavirus rules allow, there will also be a series of art workshops – details to be announced later. All the work will be for sale.
“Please visit www.blackswanarts.org.uk to view the exhibition and purchase some artwork. Your support is vital in enabling this vibrant community arts centre and registered charity to continue serving the people of Frome with a varied programme of innovative and contemporary exhibitions, a shop, studios and courtyard cafe.”
Photo: In Pursuit of Spring_Paul Newman – Credit: Paul Newman