Cultural revival back at Delamore
Almost 150 sculptors and painters from all over the Westcountry will get a chance to exhibit their work as one of the region’s premier exhibitions returns next week after restrictions are lifted
ONE of the South West’s biggest arts exhibitions Delamore Arts is to opens its doors again – and for the scores of artists it supports the month-long event on the edge of Dartmoor can’t come soon enough.
Almost 150 sculptors and painters are exhibiting at Delamore ‘21, with 200 paintings and 150 sculptures inside, and 150 sculptures in the gardens.
ONE of the South West’s biggest arts exhibitions Delamore Arts opens its doors again on 17 May - and for the scores of artists it supports the month-long event on the edge of Dartmoor can’t come soon enough.
No sector has been hit harder than the arts by COVID-19, with sculptors and painters having nowhere to show their work. The return of Delamore Arts at Delamore House in Cornwood - on the first day of the restrictions being lifted in England - marks the first opportunity for many to exhibit at a major event since the pandemic started. And it’s also the chance for art lovers to again see art ‘in the flesh’ rather than virtually.
Almost 150 sculptors and painters are exhibiting at Delamore ‘21, with around 200 paintings and 150 sculptures inside, and 150 sculptures being displayed in the gardens.
The annual exhibition has been held since 2003. Last year, it had to be switched to an online exhibition, while this year, some changes have also been necessary. To limit numbers, visitors are being asked to pre-book online. The indoor galleries will have limited numbers at any one time and a one-way system will be in place. Masks will be required indoors unless medically exempted.
Until the pandemic, Delamore Arts was always held on every day in May. This year, it is open every day from 17 May to 20 June.
The exhibition is staged by the Delamore House owners, Gavin and Nicky Dollard, to support painters and sculptors from the South West and across the UK. It is best known for the variety of work and for the garden setting for the outdoor sculptures. At this time of year, the classic Victorian garden is at its most spectacular.
The sculptures come in all mediums and sizes. Outside, the pieces include large kinetic installations that move and change with the wind and light. Inside, there are two galleries - one, with paintings and smaller sculptures is in the main house, while exhibits from members of South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts can be viewed in the Stables Gallery.
A brand new attraction this year is a waterfall at the Delamore lake. A metal and glass structure enables visitors to walk beneath the waterfall, and there is an art installation for them to view at the other side: “I’m thinking of calling it ‘Modern Art Goes Over My Head!” said Gavin.
“From the response we have had, we know that people are desperate to come and see the gardens and the exhibition this year. And there is a general sense of excitement and enthusiasm that art is back in Devon.
“Our event is predominantly outdoors, and it is a safe place to come,” he added. “The garden experience will be exactly the same as ever, with the obvious requirement for social distancing.”
If art lovers are desperate for art to return, then the same can certainly be said for the artists themselves.
Nicky said: “We were determined to put on the exhibition this year because it is a real boost for the artists after a terrible year.
“It’s hard to express just how delighted the artists are that Delamore is happening this year - for many, these events are their lifeblood. And it has been so exciting for us, seeing all the pieces arrive and being put on display.”
For one local artist making her exhibition debut, the chance to exhibit at Delamore is particularly poignant.
Textiles sculptor Karen Barton from Plympton learnt how to make sculptures using wire armature, felt and wool during the pandemic as a way to deal
with the stress of working for the NHS. Karen, who works in admin and IT at a GP surgery, was inspired to put her work forward to Delamore by an aunt who later died from COVID-19.
“I think it’s going to be quite emotional,” said Karen. “My Aunty Gladys was in a care home and I took her some of my early pieces to show her, an owl and a wizard. She said ‘oh, these should be in a gallery’. Then she caught COVID and died. I thought ‘I’ll do this for you’.
“She gave me the confidence and encouraged me, so I applied for Delamore - and I couldn’t believe it when they said ‘yes’. I’ve been going to Delamore for years as a visitor, so this is a dream come true.”
Karen’s three pieces reflect her love for birds of prey - an osprey, kestrel and hobby: “Focusing on making these pieces, getting the textures, detail and 3D shapes just right, completely absorbs my brain.
“It is a total de-stresser at a time when we’ve been flat out at work. It really did keep me going when COVID was so bad last year.”
Among the other eye-catching smaller exhibits in the house gallery are the humorous dog paintings by Cornish artist Barbara Ellis.
Before turning her talents to painting, Barbara had a career in Mechanical Engineering with the British Rail Locomotive Drawing Office and then with the National Coal Board, planning future coal extraction.
Outside, keep an eye out for the mosaic owls that dot the garden, beautifully crafted by Staverton artist Corinna Barrell. Other outdoor installations include ‘Nova’ by Plymouth sculptor Noah Taylor; ‘The Kiss’, a stunning Bath Stone sculpture by Patrick Barker MRSS; and there’s a special marine-life feature at the pond.
As ever, expect some unusual, quirky pieces, such as 10 Pence Mixup, a steel and acrylic sculpture by Kevin Hope. And you won’t be able to miss ‘Fluidity’, the 5m high stainless steel kinetic sculpture by Hereford sculptor Will Carr that takes centre stage on the lawn in front of the house. As well as this year’s new artists, there is also a welcome return for some of Delamore’s favourites, including graffiti artist Vinnie Nylon, marble sculptor Steve Atkinson and Cornish animal sculptor Suzie Marsh.
Each year, Delamore Arts raises money for a charity. This year’s good cause is Starlight, which supports seriously ill young children and their families.
Admission is £8 which includes a brochure, and bookings should be made online via the website, where a digital version of the catalogue can be viewed. www.delamore-art.co.uk