Photography, illustration and fine art exhibitions open at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery has launched three brand new exhibitions for late spring/early summer.

Amateurs and Artists: Early Photography and Plymouth looks at the development of early photography and its links with Plymouth and the South West. It features a series of photographs taken by Linnaeus Tripe c1851-5 for which the museum holds the original negatives, as well as topographical scenes and portraits from some of the area’s earliest studios.

Camden Town: Exploring Themes features works by a group of young progressive British artists who flourished in the early 1900s. The exhibition marks the centenary of the Camden Town Group – a collective of 16 men who were established in London in 1911 and who were united by a fascination with depicting ordinary life through their work. Although the group only existed for 18 months its influence was long-lasting.

Finally, Draw Me a Story: The Art of Illustration for Children is a family-friendly show that brings together original artwork and prints by some of the best children’s illustrators in the business. The exhibition features classic characters such as Mr Benn, Bagpuss and the Beano and explores the techniques that illustrators use to weave together pictures and words.

The show has been produced in partnership with Falmouth Art Gallery, Plymouth City Council’s Library Service, Booktrust, the Illustration Cupboard, Mabecron Books and the University of Plymouth. It will be backed by an extensive event programme that includes special events, holiday workshops and author/illustrator talks and book signings.

All three shows will be on display until the end of Saturday, July 30. Opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission is free.

For full details, plus information about related events visit the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery website or call 01752 304774.

(image: ‘The Lane, Gloucestershire’ by Harold Gilman © PCMAG)