The Grand Opening of Lyme Bay Arts

The Grand Opening of Lyme Bay Arts at the Gallery, Manor Yard, Symondsbury

On Saturday August 10th 2019 we drove off the Bridport by-pass towards the old Bridport Road and immediately took a sharp left turn towards the Dorset village of Symondsbury.

The sun was shining as we passed the old church and located the sign post which directed us via a rough driveway towards the Symondsbury Estate. Many cars had found their way there before us, but there was ample parking space for all.

We walked the short distance past a fascinating gift shop making a mental note to visit it on our return, plus a dress shop and café. An open area of yellow gravel gave us the first view of the Gallery.

It had the appearance of an old barn, and its bright and colourful interior was already packed with guests who, had responded to the invitation to the grand opening and to its first exhibition.

The gallery and the exhibition were opened by Sir Philip and Lady Julia Colfox, owners of the Symondsbury Estate.

They spoke with obvious knowledge and understanding of the aims of the new exhibition venue, to promote solo, duo and group showcases, to develop links with other local and regional arts and community organisations, and to host talks, workshops and demonstrations, under the able leadership of SWAC’s own member Philip Clayton, the Artistic Director.

Painter Andy Rollo and sculptor Michael Mason were the two artists who had work on display.

Andy Rollo, a lecturer in art and design at Yeovil College, has spent the last ten years creating interesting images on a variety of surfaces, including some intriguing colourful cut paper collages. All were based and inspired in part by the geology and history of this beautiful part of Dorset and its Jurassic Coast.

The more I looked the more I appreciated the work of this talented abstract colourist.

Somerset based 3D sculptor Michael Mason, was a former principal lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Fellow in Sculpture at the British School in Rome. Michael works mainly in ceramic, terracotta, wood and bronze.

Congratulations to our own SWAC member Phil Clayton and his team of willing volunteers. These are exciting times for Lyme Bay Arts with the prospect of a very bright future for all.

Ann L Roe (Ann Jones) Hon.SWAc

Contact lymebayarts.co.uk for more information.