The Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) will display two new exhibitions revealing traditional craft techniques and West Country witch history through the works of artists Philippa Lawrence and Anne Jackson.
THG will be completely transformed to present A Space Between and The Witchcraft Series, two solo exhibitions designed to provoke and challenge audiences.
A Space Between draws together several elements from artist Philippa Lawrence's varied practices, encapsulating her early, new, and evolving works.
A printmaker by trade, Ms Lawrence employs a range of materials - from gold leaf and glass blowing to yarn, neon, and even insects and plants.
Each piece often demands thorough processes like sanding, polishing, cutting, and stitching.
Her work delves into human interaction with the earth and its resources, as well as the changing values and status of different materials, art and artefacts.
Keen to preserve our cultural heritage, she devotes her efforts to studying the last practitioners of traditional craft skills.
Ms Lawrence said: "Working site-specifically and considering both being off-site and on-site informs my practice, as do opportunities to engage with and connect to others.
"I facilitate ways of seeing and being, involving people in their experience of and relationship to the site."
Meanwhile, The Witchcraft Series, showcased in the upstairs gallery, ventures into the dark history of witch trials.
The tapestries by Anne Jackson often illustrate accounts of specific historic witches from the West Country, particularly Somerset and Devon.
These vibrant tapestries teem with spells, witches’ familiars, and magic symbols.
Ms Jackson uses historical texts, original illustrations, and current scientific and cultural context to memorialise individual women.
These works serve as a commentary on our attempts to control our world and our lives.
She said: "My work is concerned with breaking out of the convention which associates textiles and woven tapestry with a sense of cosiness and comfort, using elements of irony, and even humour.
"My intention is to present an object which is visually arresting, and hopefully, thought-provoking."
A meet-and-greet is scheduled from September 17 – 20 for enthusiasts to learn more about her work and techniques in the exhibition.
Councillor Nick Hookway, portfolio holder for Culture, Sport, Leisure and Tourism, said: "These new exhibitions are yet another example of THG’s commitment to traditional crafts and skills.
"Both exhibitions examine the changes in our cultural heritage in ways that are engaging, perceptive and even challenging.
"Of special interest will be a new reflection on the life and work of Thelma Hulbert, who lived at the gallery in her later life.
"I do hope that you can find time to visit THG. I’m sure that you will find it a worthwhile experience."
Get a sneak peek of both exhibitions starting on September 14 until November 2, 2024.
The exhibitions are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information visit the gallery's website for more information.
Talks with both artists are also scheduled on specific days, including
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