2 new exhibitions have now opened at Quay Arts in Newport.
‘Arts & Crafts of Norman Gaches’ is a solo exhibition exploring the work of Island artist the late Norman Gaches, a respected wood carver who created ship figureheads, totem poles and representations of wildlife in his lifetime.
Alongside carvings will be displayed paintings, sketches and tools giving insight into the conception and development of his wooden wonders.
Norman was born in Essex in 1938. He moved to the Island in 1965 and over the years created a remarkable collection of Ship’s figureheads and other wood carvings.
He transformed a giant Cupressus Macrocarpa, which had been damaged in the storm of 1987 and was in the grounds of Barton Manor, transforming it into a Bacchanalian sculpture including Zeus in the form of music mogul Robert Stigwood who owned Barton Manor at the time. Unfortunately, the Australian vacated the estate later removing the wooden creation to another home.
As a child Norman was interested in art and as an adult became interested in carving, starting a business of carving name plates for houses. He met established woodcarver Jack Whitehead who had won a commission to work on the replica of HMS Nonsuch. Finding the work too onerous for one he called upon Norman for help. Although retaining their independence they had a gentlemen’s agreement to work together on certain projects.
Norman’s work became larger and more complex through his career but later his output centred on smaller pieces. He died two years ago, and this exhibition has been arranged by his family in conjunction with Quay Arts.
The exhibition is on display in the Clayden Gallery and will run until 26th August.
In the West Gallery you will find a touring exhibition of painting, sculpture and video celebrating the British on holiday featuring the work of; Anna Barlow, Lydia Blakeley, Day Bowman, Jake Clark, Marguerite Horner, Kitty Stirling, Judith Tucker and Amanda Wallwork.
Work from this touring show features the work of 8 artists exploring the theme the Great British Holiday or act of ‘getting away from it all’.
The show features melted ice-creams in ceramics, oversized deckchairs, video and installation accompanied by selected historical watercolour paintings, Alum Bay sand glass animals and other historic items from the IOW Heritage collections.
4 paintings of various East Cowes/Cowes floating bridges bring back memories as do scenes of the Undercliff and sand ‘paintings’ of Carisbrooke Castle, The Needles and Rocks at Freshwater.
Speaking at the opening of both exhibitions Paul Armfield spoke on how ‘Getting Away’ defines a definite time and place and how the art works and artefacts will evoke memories of times and places visited. He hoped that visitors to the Island would visit Quay Arts whilst they were ‘Getting Away’ from it all.
‘Getting Away!’ will run until Saturday 29th September.
Report by Alan and Suzanne Whitewood
