ARTISTS' TRAIL
Patchings Art Centre
Patchings Art Centre's new Artists' Trail brings the Old Masters back to life in a hi-tech open-air tour of the history of painting. Officially opened in September by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, the trail features 62 mounted and weather-protected paintings, ranging from Leonardo’s Mona Lisa to the urban landscapes of LS Lowry. Some paintings are photo-reproductions of the original paintings, but most have been copied (with the co-operation of copyright owners) by members of Patchings’ own art club – such as retired Nottingham architect, David Kimmins, above, who was inspired by the work of George Henry, one of the late 19th century collective known as the Glasgow Boys. Visitors can use the free Patchings app on their phones to engage with digital reincarnations of Rembrandt, Turner, Monet and Van Gogh and will be able to hear club members explain why they chose their paintings and how they reproduced them. Patchings Art Centre is a truly family affair, co-owned by brother and sister team Chas and Liz Wood. Chas’s sonin-law, Gary Jones, who has also been heavily involved in creating the Artists’ Trail explains: ‘We hope children will pick up some paper in the Turner studio and make a sketch with him and learn about colour-mixing with Monet, self-portraiture with Rembrandt and composition with Van Gogh’. Chas continues: ‘The chronological journey through art history, along a walkway, takes visitors through the centuries. The paintings, encased in glass, provide a fascinating variation on viewing art – with nature, the setting and the weather all having an impact on the painting. This is unique.’ Patchings Art Centre, which opened in August 1988, in the Nottinghamshire village of Calverton, is home to a visitor centre with galleries, art materials and gift shop, framing service, studios and café as well as a lake featuring the ‘Monet’ bridge, and the Pavilion, which is a base for Patchings Art Club. The centre is home to the internationally renowned fourday Patchings Art Festival and hosts the popular TALP Open exhibitions each year.
The Artists’Trail is now open. Admission is free, although donations will be invited. The organisers advise that you allow one hour to enjoy the trail. For more information contact Patchings Art Centre on 0115 965 3479 or visit www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk