The Bradbury Centre Art Club has developed over a series of weeks beginning in February as a pilot project, and an immediate success, continuing April to July and has involved the Stanley Picker Gallery and the StayWell Bradbury Centre team and members. Facilitated by Alexandra Warren and organised by Natalie Kay and Clair Jardella, the workshops have spanned over two exhibitions by Stanley Picker Fellows, firstly Larry Achiampong A Letter, A Pledge, and secondly Thomas Pausz Haunted Ecologies. The sessions, which began as a way to involve members of the local community with the Gallery and broaden understanding of what Kingston School of Art has to offer, has blossomed into a new creative community and deeper understanding of how we can collaborate and share learning.
Inspired by current show, Haunted Ecologies, the club looked at the themes, research, and work of other artists presented in the show, such Kingston-born Eadweard Muybridge and the ecology of the Hogsmill river as unpicking its physical and cultural history, including as the location of the painting ‘Ophelia’ by John Everett Millais, one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
The workshops have been an excellent way of delving into art history, a favourite subject of the group, and various art terms, including unpacking ‘Modernism’ and ‘Impressionism’, which was a specific request identified in feedback. Focusing on and creating landscape paintings and drawings became a particular favourite activity, and over the weeks, the work made by the members has gradually evolved, culminating in this onsite showcase in the Gallery’s Lobby.
We have enjoyed a wonderful term, full of laughter, learning, and collaborating, and we hope that you will join us in celebrating the Bradbury Centre Art Club’s creativity and achievements.
Participants & Exhibiting Artists Amy, Angela, Bill, Brenda, Faye, Geraldine, Graham, John P, John R, Lesley, Marilyn, Marina, Maureen, Mia, Mike, Pamela, and Yvonne
Alexandra Warren (b. 1999, Gateshead) is a visual artist and arts educator based in London. She graduated from Wimbledon College of Art, UAL with a BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting in 2021 and from Kingston School of Art with an MFA Fine Art in 2024. Her practice involves using a variety of mediums including drawing, hand-embroidery, and video. Often referencing symbolism, mythology, and utilising repetition, her recent work, including a series of banners and video work, explore how traces of socio-political histories are experienced in and influence the contemporary.
The Bradbury is a small purpose-built day centre close to the centre of Kingston, and opposite Kingston School of Art. The centre offers a warm and supportive environment for older people who would like to socialise with others in similar circumstances and take part in a range of structured activities, including exercise, enjoy a meal and have fun! Open Mon, Wed Thurs 10am-3pm www.staywellservices.org.uk