Bournemouth exhibition invited to be part of Japan-UK 150 celebrations
Bournemouth exhibition invited to be part of Japan-UK 150 celebrations –
Celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UK
Manga to Mural – the Japanese Sketches of John Thomas
17 February – 1 November 2009
A new exhibition which opens at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth, on 17 February, has been invited to be part of the Japan-UK 150 series of events. Japan-UK 150 will feature a wide range of events to encourage exchange in such fields as culture, the arts, sport, education and science.
This year marks 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom. On 26 August 1858 fully-fledged diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom were established as a result of the signing of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce in Edo (the present Tokyo).
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum’s Japanese collection is internationally recognised. In 2008, the Embassy of Japan borrowed some of the Museum’s collection to exhibit at their London headquarters.
The Manga to Mural exhibition explores the work of John Thomas, the decorative artist who was commissioned by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes to create the murals and hand-painted glass in their unique museum-home. The exhibition will move the viewer through albums of Hokusai’s original Manga (which literally means ‘whimsical drawings’) to Thomas’ sketches and details his works adorning the fabric of East Cliff Hall.
Directly influenced by the work of some of the great 19th Century Japanese artists such as Hokusai, Bairei and Eitaku, some of Thomas’s mural work was based on his Portfolio of Japanese Sketches, published around 1886. All of these sketches were copies or adaptations of the work of these Japanese artists. The work heavily features birds and other wildlife.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Japan-UK 150 is organised by the Embassy of Japan. For further information about Japan-UK 150, please visit www.japanuk150.org
2. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth is a dramatic experience for many visitors. The exuberance and variety of styles found within the building creates a unique atmosphere that is a mixture of both private house and public museum. Created by two dedicated collectors, the Russell-Cotes is a museum of national importance.
3. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays (closed Good Friday & Christmas Day), from 10.00am to 5.00pm and is at Russell Cotes Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA, UK. The entrance is from East Cliff Promenade. T. 01202 451 858. www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a Registered Charity (no. 306288).
For press enquiries & images
Please contact:
Kerry Curtis, Marketing & Audience Development Manager,
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum:
T. +44 (0)1202 451823
E. Kerry.Curtis@bournemouth.gov.uk
|
