Local artists set to shine alongside iconic Welsh painter as Chester gallery launches new exhibition

An art gallery near Chester is currently preparing to throw open its doors once again with a special Autumn Exhibition.

This exhibition will feature paintings by acclaimed local artists, works by a legendary Welsh artist, and previously unseen artwork by an artist known for his iconic Christmas Card images.

The exhibition, at Gorstella Gallery, based at Tudor Farm in Dodleston near Chester opens with a special launch event on Thursday 9th November from 6.30pm – 9.00pm.

Originally founded by Peter and Klazien Bullivant in 1990, the gallery has been run by their daughter Bridget and her husband Stephen Kimber since 2004.

Artists featured in the Autumn exhibition include Ashton Hayes based Jenny Hirst whose work takes its inspiration from the landscape around her, whether rural, coastal or urban and she is particularly interested in capturing the essence of a place – the weather, the light and the atmosphere.

Jenny works by taking photographs, making quick sketches of a place and then taking these back into the studio to create paintings. Her other work includes still life paintings, in complete contrast to her landscapes.

The gallery is also delighted to have acquired works by acclaimed Welsh artist Sir Kyffin Williams OBE RA as well as previously unseen work by the late Karel Lek MBE RCA, including original artwork from Christmas cards designed by Lek in support of the NSPCC. Returning artists include Clare Shaughnessy from Mold.

Speaking about Clare who is considered one of the UK’s top wildlife artists, Gallery owner Bridget Kimber said “Clare’s passion is for “the tiny souls” who share our gardens, brighten our parks and herald the spring dawn underneath our bedroom windows, we are very much looking forward to showing Clare’s work for the second time at Gorstella Gallery as part of this fantastic mixed exhibition of work by local North West based artists and others.”

“We are also delighted to have work by Sir Kyffin Williams OBE RCA and Karel Lek on display and for sale.”

The exhibition will also feature work Ian Phillips, one of Wales foremost linocut artists. Based in Mid- Wales since 2001, Ian taught himself the linocut reduction technique whilst working as a freelance illustrator in London.

Ian has been working with lino for over thirty years and has gone on to become internationally renowned for his work which has been exhibited widely across the country as well as at The Mall Galleries, London, and in Hong Kong, USA and Australia.

Completing the line up of artists is Knutsford based artist Emma Williams whose work can currently be found exhibited widely throughout England and Ireland.

Emma spent time studying printed textile design at Huddersfield University and this is strongly evident in her paintings which use flat perspective and bold colour with dramatic effect and her many visits to Cornwall have been a constant source of source of inspiration, influencing her particular approach to interiors and landscapes.

Demand for Emma’s work is steadily increasing and she is now one of the most sought after young painters in the UK.

The artwork on display throughout the exhibition will be available to purchase.

The gallery will then be open on Friday 10th November between the same times and on Saturday 11th November, Sunday 12th November, Saturday 18th November and Sunday 19th November from 11am – 5.00pm.

Viewings outside of these times can be made by appointment via the Gallery’s website.
Full details of the Autumn exhibition at Gorstella Gallery can be found at www.gorstellagallery.co.uk