Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), based in Honiton, has announced that it will host two exciting solo exhibitions by Philippa Lawrence and Anne Jackson.

This September, the gallery is set to be completely transformed by new exhibitions: A Space Between and The Witchcraft Series.

A Space Between is a solo exhibition which will feature the work of artist Philippa Lawrence, demonstrating a range of traditional craft techniques.

Lawrence works with a variety of different materials and practices, inclduding gold-leaf, glass blowing, industrial artefacts, cloth, ink, photography, raw wood, French polishing, enamelling, sheepskin parchment, yarn, neon, insects and plants.

The context of where a work is made or shown has always been important for Lawrence, who, for this exhibition, researched the life and work of Thelma Hulbert, resulting in her creating 'Honesty – a companion piece', which picks out words from writings held at the gallery about Hulbert’s life.

The artist remarked: “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 other solo exhibition on display in the gallery, ‘The Witchcraft Series’, explores the history of witch trials and the power of ‘the witch’ in our culture, as both a metaphor for our fears and as representation of social injustice towards women.

Anne Jackson uses historical texts and original illustrations, along with contemporary scientific and cultural references, to memorialise individual women, and comment on ways we try to exert control over our world and our own lives.

There will also be a unique opportunity to meet the artist in the gallery from 17 – 20 September to discover more about her work in the exhibition and the techniques involved.

Jackson commented: “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.”

The work of both Phillipa Lawrence and Anne Jackson will be on display throughout September, and Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Sport, Leisure and Tourism, has urged local people to come and see the exhibitions.

He 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.”