Art and Artefacts exhibition

Date Published: 9th May 2008 Author: Rob Webley

Art and Artefacts - Saturday 3rd May until Sunday 1st June

Alan Cracknell, local Winchester artist, produces detailed, intricate and intensely coloured paintings inspired by his interest in the natural world, history and archaeology. Reminiscent of medieval manuscript illumination, the paintings often incorporate text, names of ancient lanes or fields, or precious objects excavated from the earth.

This exhibition combines his latest work with a display of objects brought into Winchester Museums by members of the public for identification and recording under the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Many of these items, from across Hampshire, have never been exhibited in public before.

Alan said:

I am delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit in City Space and to display my paintings together with the drawings I produce for the PAS alongside the objects featured in the exhibition.

Since 1999 the Portable Antiquities Scheme has been helping us understand Hampshire's past better by recording over 14,500 objects found by members of the public. Its representative in the county, Finds Liaison Officer Rob Webley, said:

I'm excited that people can get to see up close some of the amazing artefacts I'm lucky enough to record. Seeing them on our website is one thing, but don't miss this opportunity to admire the craftsmanship first hand.

As part of the scheme Alan also produces detailed drawings that record these objects in far greater clarity than a photograph ever could. These drawings, together with his paintings and the fascinating objects on display, provide visitors with a unique insight into how an artist working today is influenced by artefacts from the past.

Contact: Rob Webley rwebley@winchester.gov.uk 01962 848558