Swindon's own art collection has received a boost with the addition of two large-scale paintings by British artist Dee Ferris.
The new artworks were acquired through the Contemporary Art Society and will be part of a new exhibition ‘Landscape and Longing’ which will replace the current exhibitions on the ground floor of the Civic Offices next month.
Dee Ferris is a Brighton-based artist, who has exhibited across the UK and internationally. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is the third public collection to acquire artworks by Ferris, following the Tate and Arts Council Collections.
The two paintings are called ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘The Places We Go’. They represent different moments in Ferris’ career, but both show her preference for large-scale canvases, deep layers of paint and suggestions of recognisable subject matter.
The Contemporary Art Society helps public art collections throughout the UK to purchase art by living artists. Staff at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery worked with the Contemporary Art Society to select artists whose work will enrich the existing collection, and benefit the audiences that will see them.
Katie Ackrill, Swindon Borough Council’s collections and exhibitions officer, said: “Selecting artwork for our collections can be a great challenge, as there is no shortage of creative talent in the UK.
“We felt that The Places We Go and Sleepy Hollow complement the strong representation of landscape art and large-scale abstract painting within our existing collections. They also show how immersive and impactful painting can be, whilst resonating with issues relevant to the times we live in.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dee Ferris’ paintings to Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, and grateful for the continued support of the Contemporary Art Society.”
Caroline Douglas, director for the Contemporary Art Society, said: “We are delighted to be able to make this gift of two wonderful new paintings to Swindon, as they prepare to open the museum in its new location."
Work to create the new venue for Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is progressing as a new lift to ensure the collections are accessible to all will be installed as part of the refurbishments and a contractor is close to being appointed,
Meanwhile, the procurement process for the main building contractor opened on March 14.
When complete, the council claims the Civic Offices will provide 40 per cent more display space compared to the museum and art gallery's previous home at Apsley House in Old Town.
It is anticipated the new museum and art gallery will be open in late autumn.
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