Mayor's Choice at the Guildhall Gallery
The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Neil Baxter, has chosen his favourite pictures from the City's own art collection to go on display in the Guildhall Gallery. The selection was made from the collection held in store by the Museums Service and gives visitors the opportunity to view paintings not normally on display.Cllr Baxter's choice includes views of the city and district during the 19th century, with one view of the city in 1723 and the most recent having been painted in 1997. Pictures of Alresford, Bishop's Waltham, Compton, Hursley, Northington Grange, Southwick House and the Itchen Valley complement those of the city itself.
The exhibition also includes four new acquisitions: views of the cathedral and deanery grounds purchased for the city from the artist Tobias Till, son of the retiring Dean of Winchester.
In the Gallery's art activity area, during Half Term week, younger visitors will find several new activities and puzzles based on the buildings and streets of Winchester.
On Saturday 11 February, from 10am-5pm, budding young artists are invited to drop in to the Guildhall Gallery to create their own works of art inspired by the local street scenes and buildings shown in paintings in the Mayor's Choice exhibition.
Local artist Ali Eales will be on hand with ideas and tips to help you produce your own artwork to take away, or leave on display in the Gallery for others to admire during Half Term week.
Just drop in any time during the day and join in. Admission is free and all materials are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This Drop in and Draw event has been organised by Winchester City Council's Museums Service to tie in with this year's Winchester Children's Festival.
Mayor's Choice Exhibition at the Guildhall Gallery - 3-19 February
Open Monday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 12-4
Drop in and Draw day - Saturday 11 February, 10am - 5pm. Free admission.
Tel. 01962 848 269/848 289
Email - museums@winchester.gov.uk
Website - www.winchester.gov.uk