A priceless summer of arts in Devon
The beautiful resort towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are gaining a well-deserved reputation amongst art lovers as being an unexpected hotbed of creativity.
While South Devon’s beautiful bay makes the ideal base for a good old fashioned seaside holiday, the more inquisitive will also discover a surprising wealth of arts and cultural events.
Such is the reputation of the arts scene on the English Riviera, one of the world’s most famous and indeed controversial artists will be exhibiting in resort this summer. Damien Hirst’s “Mother and Child, Divided” (Exhibition Copy) has only ever appeared in London and Tokyo before, making it a real coup for the Bay.
The floor-based sculpture comprises a cow and calf, each cut in half, preserved in formaldehyde and presented in glass-walled tanks. The piece, which is on loan from Tate, will form part of TAMED, a summer exhibition at the Spanish Barn featuring works by Paul Coldwell, Richard Long, Mike Nelson and Mariele Neudecker, on loan from the Arts Council Collection, as well as sculptures by Heather Jansch,.
Nick Bye, the elected Mayor of Torbay said: “Visitors to the English Riviera should leave their preconceptions behind and prepare to be delighted by the artistic offering that can be enjoyed this summer and beyond. Torbay Council has made a real commitment to arts and culture across the Bay and in the last two years has introduced more civic art projects than in the previous two decades combined. These projects are integral to the regeneration of the resort and a joy for both residents and visitors alike.”
TAMED will perfectly compliment the neighboring TACO 3D exhibition (Torre Abbey Contemporary Open) also running throughout July and August. Taking place in the main Abbey building (which also houses the third largest art collection in Devon), the exhibition will feature exceptional artists working in 3D. The work will be displayed in both galleries and in the stunning medieval abbey gardens.
Amelia Marriette, Keeper of Art at Torre Abbey said: “We were very keen for South West artists to exhibit on the English Riviera. We are showing work of international importance here this year and alongside it we wanted the very best South West artists to exhibit too. We want TACO 3D and TAMED to be sensational and I am convinced that 2010 is going to be our best year yet!”
The headline sponsor for TAMED is the Devon Art Fair, which takes over the Riviera International Conference centre from 1st to 3rd October. The inaugural event will see 44 galleries from around the UK and Europe bring an eclectic mix of fine; modern and contemporary artworks for visitors to the fair to both admire and purchase.
Prices of art for sale will range from £75 to tens of thousands of pounds and with painting, drawing, sculpture, glass and ceramics all on display we are extremely confident that this event will appeal to the most avid and discerning collector as much as the novice first time buyer and will ultimately be a spectacular showcase for everyone to enjoy
There’s more big arts news over in Cockington Village on the outskirts of Torquay. The manor house at Cockington Court will remain open during 2010, whilst undergoing an exciting £3 million redevelopment, which will see the construction of a new building which will house an inspirational new arts space. New galleries, residency workshops, studios and teaching facilities will embed high quality crafts within a heritage context.
Greenway, Agatha Christie’s former summer home and a National Trust property with breathtaking gardens overlooking the River Dart, is also a hotbed of artistic talent. Selected guest artists such as David Cowell, Dr. Linda Khatir, Phil Dixon, Christine Sweetman and internationally acclaimed Tom Adams will also be working on curated, site specific and sensitive art projects until October.
The remit set by contemporary art curator Emma Carter is to feature work of exceptional quality, with the theme of ‘English Eccentricity’ and to use Greenway as a platform to extend and further each artists’ own creative practice. Full residency will take place during July featuring poetry, installation, sculpture, painting and performance. Emma’s residency will run until September 2010.
The town itself is also becoming an arts hub, thanks to the Brixham Shoal of Artists who have their base at the Breakwater Bistro and Art Gallery. The skills of local craftsmen can also be admired at the Brixham Arts and crafts Market on Saturdays throughout the summer.
The Summer of Arts on the English Riviera will climax with the reopening of The Royal Terrace Gardens on 2nd October. This creatively led, multi-million pound regeneration of the cliffs and walkways that date back to the 19th Century, will feature several projects designed by artists including stairs, the viewing platform, walls and even a special grotto. A special sound and light show featuring projections onto the cliffs will mark the historic opening.
The English Riviera is packed with everything you would expect from Britain’s premier seaside resort, including 22 miles of stunning coastline and an outstanding selection of accommodation choices, attractions, bars, restaurants and family activities. However it also boasts a wealth of unexpected artistic and cultural treats for the inquisitive. So take a fresh look at the English Riviera and we can promise you won’t be disappointed.
