With spring upon us, Fingringhoe’s Geedon Gallery is gearing up for its first exhibition of 2015. Co-owner Jacqueline Wolfers talks to Caroline Foster about the galleries exhibiting artists
For the discerning art lover, the opportunity to travel out to Geedon Gallery in Fingringhoe happens but twice a year! This idyllic artists’ cavern, can be found in a converted barn, overlooking the Geedon Creek. It opens its doors to the public just two times a year, offering a spectacular exhibition of 20th and 21st century British paintings, drawings, watercolours and a variety of sculpture.
The gallery’s collection of works comes from approximately 50 national and internationally-renowned artists, many from across Essex and East Anglia. The artists have been carefully selected by reputation and on merit by co-owners Jacqueline Wolfers, a picture restorer and painter and widow of David Wolfers of the New Grafton Gallery, and Caroline Bailey Knox, who prior to being involved with the Geedon Gallery ran the D’Arcy Gallery in Tolleshunt D’Arcy for 12 years.
Artists such as John Doubleday, Alex Debenham, Peter Kelly and, President of the Royal Society of British Artists, James Horton are just a few of the local line up. John Doubleday, who lives and works in Great Totham, is known for his sculptures and paintings and has enjoyed more than 30 solo exhibitions across the UK, America and the continent.
Alex Debenham, who grew up in Constable Country, is a talented artist of portraiture, landscapes and still life works. Alongside these artists’ works are a collection of stunning sculptures from the likes of Carl Newman, Gill Brown, Andrew Glasby and Stuart Anderson. Prue Cooper and Sophie MacCarthy will be exhibiting a collection of ceramics too, while Tracey Sheppard’s glass works will inspire and enchant visitors.
‘We have a lovely mixture of works for this exhibition,’ says Jacqueline, ‘including a number of print etchings and linocuts by Richard Allen.’ Richard, a wildlife artist and illustrator, resides in Wivenhoe, where the estuaries and marshes provide an endless source of inspiration for his work.
‘We are also delighted to have wood engravings from the late Yvonne Skargon (1931 – 2010),’ adds Jacqueline, ‘and paintings from members of the New British Art Club, President Richard Pikesley, Pamela Kay and Ruth Stage, plus Royal Academician, Fred Cumming.’
A small selection of jewellery items will also be exhibited from Suffolk-based Will Bishop and London-based goldsmith Jocelyn Burton, which should capture the imagination of everyone who appreciates stunning bespoke jewellery and decorative items in gold, silver and bronze.
With such an eclectic array of artworks, frequent visitors to Geedon Gallery will recognise works by a number of the gallery’s regular contributors alongside artists new to exhibiting at this Fingringhoe artistic hot spot.
Although everyone who visits will undoubtedly find inspiration from the work at this year’s spring exhibition, they will have to be patient and wait until October for the gallery’s next one.
Find out more
Geedon Gallery
Jaggers
Fingringhoe
Colchester
CO5 7DN
01206 729334
www.geedongallery.co.uk
Geedon Gallery Spring Exhibition runs from March 28 until April 13, and thereafter by appointment until May 15. The gallery is open 11am to 5.30pm daily, including Sundays. The autumn exhibition runs from October 10 until October 25.
