Jenkinson – View from Penwortham Hill

Idyllic scenery, derelict barns, farmers toiling the land? The Harris explores how artists take inspiration from our rural heritage, from the romantic to the real. Three new free exhibitions have opened at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery, all running until 26^th September:

A Green and Pleasant Land? Rural Life in Art

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Contemporary Rural Life: Photography from Myerscough College

The Rural Idyll: Ceramics A Green and Pleasant Land? Rural Life in Art

Images from the Harris’ collection featuring Preston landscapes and work by Anthony Devis, Thomas Wade, Adrian Stokes and Norman Stevens. Including the fragile View of Preston from 1821 by John Jenkinson. To preserve this unique view of Preston the Harris has also launched The Preston Painting Campaign to raise funding for the conservation work needed to ensure the painting can be displayed for future generations. People can donate online by visiting the Big Give website and searching for Preston Painting. The exhibition also includes artists working today like Georgina Barney and Andrew Cross and, in partnership with In Certain Places, we are pleased to show work by Rebecca Chesney, Abigail Townsend and Joanne Lee.

Picture credit: Angelina Johnson BA (Hons) Degree Photography student studying at Myerscough College

In Certain Places curator Elaine Speight said, “It is fantastic to be able to showcase the work of artists who are exploring how rural environments are perceived and experienced today, alongside more historical interpretations from the Harris’s collection. Rebecca Chesney, Joanne Lee and Abigail Townsend have each produced artworks which, in humorous and moving ways, confront us with the everyday realities and darker aspects of rural places.”

Contemporary Rural Life: Myerscough College Photography

New work by students focusing on contemporary life in the countryside, offering an insight into modern farming methods and rural communities

The Rural Idyll: Ceramics in the Museum Cafe

A contrast between the romantic and the real illustrated through Victorian ceramics from the museum’s collection and contemporary work by members of the Northern Potters Association. Artists include Jill Ford, Angela Kwysocki, Colin Jowitt, Roger Bell and Mary Johnson. Some works are for sale.

Early Evening Opening
The Harris will be holding a special early evening opening on Thursday 13^th August from 5.30-7.00pm when visitors can enjoy the exhibitions and meet artists and curators.  Everyone is welcome and the event is free.

Patchwork Earthernware jug by Colin Jowitt member of the Northern Potters Association

Cllr Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for culture and leisure services said, “We are delighted to be showing three very diverse exhibitions which are all inspired by rural life. There is something for everyone from contemporary digital work exploring the human impact on the landscape to traditional ceramics which focus on the romantic ideals of the countryside.  It’s the perfect exhibition for everyone to enjoy this summer and I am looking forward to the special early evening opening on 13^th August when the artists and curators will be able to tell me more about the work on show”

Family Activities
Families can pick up a Year on the Farm trail and enjoy art activities including our Fantastic Farming day on 27 August from 11am to 3pm when there will be farming-themed activities to keep the whole family entertained.  See the Harris Museum website for more information.

The exhibition is supported by the Friends of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery.

Do you think you would enjoy the Summer in the Countryside event at the Harris? Let us know in the comments below.