Chosen by you - exhibition at Newport Art Gallery
Posted on Monday 22nd August 2016
An exhibition of the public's favourite artworks from the Newport Art Gallery collections was officially opened on Saturday.
Earlier this summer, the Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery invited residents to choose their favourite oil paintings.
Visitors were able to select from more than 200 works that are held in storage helped by gallery staff and the Friends.
People of all ages took part and even the youngest wrote a label explaining why they had picked a particular painting.
Thomas Rathmell's view of the Lyceum Theatre from 1961, After the Matinee, was the favourite while Sara Rossberg's Self-Portrait and Geometry Lesson Beach Five by Kevin Sinnott were also very popular.
Thirteen-year-old Callum chose After the Matinee as his favourite and the exhibition also features a "young people's choice" wall with Little Grey Owls by Cecil Hay, selected by nine-year-old Nathan; Joseph Hennah's Autumn on the Wye, picked by Jay, aged seven while 11-year-old Kelsie's choice was Craigie Aitchison's Mermaid.
Councillor Debbie Harvey, Newport City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: "It is really interesting to see the paintings that have been chosen by the public and the reasons for their selections.
"I would encourage people to visit the art gallery and see if they agree with them or would have picked a different artwork. We are fortunate in Newport to have a wonderful collection of art, by renowned as well as lesser known artists, that is well worth viewing.
"Thanks must go to the Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery for coming up with such a great idea and the members of the public who participated. This is really is a 'people's exhibition' that should not be missed."
Admission to the exhibition in the Newport Art Gallery is free and it runs until next spring. Visit www.newport.gov.uk/heritage for details.