‘Merry Illuminations’ by Alison Merry
Saturday 6 November – Sunday 19 December 2021
This exhibition of intricate illustrations takes you on a journey to past times, people and places. Encounter angels and shepherds, cats, castles and churches, legendary landscapes and heroines and heroes from folklore.
With a working background in archaeology and history, Alison has been involved in archaeological excavation and draughtsmanship, research, museum curatorship and local history writing. This background informs her richly detailed illustrations.
Inspired originally and specifically by the richness and vibrancy of Medieval art, her unique painting style puts a medieval ‘spin’ on to her subjects for the purpose of storytelling and illustration.
“My paintings are unashamedly pastiches that draw on historic styles but with the added ‘twist’ of my own invention that makes the images original and contemporary” explains Alison. “I live and work in Bisley, Gloucestershire. It is a great community, surrounded by glorious countryside and scenery, with beautiful stone buildings, a rich and diverse history and a wealth of unique local custom and folklore from which to draw inspiration.”
The exhibition includes original paintings (not for sale) as well as prints, many of which are available to buy. A range of gorgeous greetings cards, Christmas cards and calendars will be on sale in the Museum Shop along with other festive treats.
Eagle-eyed visitors will spot some of Alison’s work on interpretation panels in the Museum’s Archaeology gallery. We are delighted to be showing her vibrant and uplifting illustrations in the Art Gallery and recommend more than one visit to take in all the detail and delight they offer!
