Session Eight at Christchurch Mansion

We have now finished this course at Christchurch Mansion.  When we began we were leaving the sessions in the dark winter afternoons, after our last session we emerged into sunshine and spring flowers were visible under the trees in Christchurch Park.

We had been working on the theme of collections.  The final pieces of work reflected this;
   
Historical portraits paintings in the Mansion became abstracted into a series of strong, bold portraits.  
 
The motionless figures that people the rooms in the Mansion were captured in delicate watercolours.
   

Watercolour by Moya Copnall

Watercolour by Moya Copnall

A study of patterns on walls and furniture inspired a riot of colour, paint, fabric and stitch onto canvas.

Careful observation of landscape paintings and plates have been documented with notes and a sketchbook has been filled with a comprehensive series of drawings reflecting a passion for the Mansion and its contents.
 
A hand painted panel in a bedroom became a journey into sourcing flower motifs in paintings which in turn became an ethereal space full of light painted onto canvas.

Work in Progress by Mary Machin

An exploration of the structure of the Mansion became an investigation into a resist process with oil pastels and various water based paints.  These experiments form the basis for an abstract painting.

Experiments with wax resist by B B

The wonderful collection of toys contains an bear, dressed in a military uniform, who has seen better days.  This bear has been modeled and re made.

A collection of kitchen utensil, mixing prints taken from plastic spoons printed onto fabric and drawn bowls from the porcelain collection, pieced together with a variety of different textures and colours.  

Printed and pieced fabric by Barbara Clarke

Printed and pieced fabric by Barbara Clarke

An exhibition of illustrated childrens books in the porcelain room sparked research and a debate on craft before and after the war.  The final piece is a thought provoking montage accompanied by a text on the subject.  

Work in progress by Molly Pugh