Monday 24 October 2011

Music in the Topsham Art Room Sunday 30 October

Visitors to Deborah Woods' new Topsham Art Room will have been struck by the stunning artwork on display in the latest exhibition. The bold colours and fascinating local themes (from Somerset and the Mendips) jump out from every image. A quick trip to the new Art Room (now in Topsham Strand) becomes an exciting opportunity to discover a glorious new vision of the local people and landscape.

Martin Bengham RWA, Dry Stone Wall repairs Mendip February, 2007
Oil on Linen, 41x66 inches
Martin Bentham was born in Aldershot, Hampshire in 1961. Martin studied first on a foundation course at Weston-super-mare (1979-81) and then at Exeter College of Art and Design (1982-85) where he qualified with a fine art degree.

He then embarked on a full time painting career (supplemented by various agrarian labouring jobs on the Mendips) holding his first one-man show in 1993 and consecutively in 1995, 97, 99, 2006 and 2008.

Before and during this time he exhibited regularly at the Royal West of England Academy Autumn exhibition and at the Royal Academy Summer exhibition in London in 1989. Also the Bath Society of Artists Centenary Exhibition, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath; the Mall Gallery, London; the Cowleigh Gallery and Malvern Theatre, Malvern; the Royal Bath and West Show Art Exhibition, Somerset and the Brewhouse Open in Taunton, among others.

In 2007 he won the Daler Rowney Oil Painting Prize at the RWA Autumn Exhibition and first prize at the Royal Bath and West Show Art Exhibition. The following year he won first and second prize in the Viewer’s Choice award, also at the R.W.A.

He was elected an RWA Academician in 2009 and the same year served on the selection committee.  He had his first one-man exhibition in the RWA New Gallery in 2010.

Currently his paintings evolve from the landscape of the Mendips, its people and their work. 

Deborah's personal favourite:
Martin Bengham RWA, Walnuts on slate 2, 2011
oil on canvas bd, 7x11 inches

In the Tradition of Topsham Art Room, Deborah has invited a professional musical ensemble to provide an early evening concert combining music and art. The Sulis Woodwind Trio will give a recital in the Art Room at 6.30pm this Sunday. There is room for fifty people but seats may already be sold out.

To avoid disappointment contact Deborah Woods for bookings and to receive information about future 'Music in the Art Room' concerts.

The Sulis Wind Trio:
Clarinet: Wayne Wilkins, Bassoon: Jean Crook, Oboe: Peter Rees
The Sulis Trio live and work in Bath and have performed together since 2006. Jean Crook is regular bassoonist with the Bath Symphony Orchestra. Their beautiful sound will perfectly match Martin Bentham's beautiful artwork.


Music in the Art Room
Topsham Art Room
Sunday 30 October 6.30pm
Sulis Wind Trio
Oboe: Peter Rees
Clarinet: Wayne Wilkins
Bassoon: Jean Crook
Mozart, Smetana, Dvorak
Victor Herbert, James Hook
Tickets £10 (including wine/refreshments)
- advance bookingessential

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