Watts Contemporary Gallery
Norman Ackroyd CBE, RA
Etching the Archipelago
(Exhibition currently closed)
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Norman Ackroyd CBE, RA is widely acclaimed as Britain's foremost contemporary etcher and a leading landscape artist and printmaker.Etching the Archipelago brings together more than 40 aquatint etchings, including a number of new prints, inspired by Ackroyd's expeditions to the edge of the British Archipelago over almost 50 years. From representations of St Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site to Orkney, see how Ackroyd has become 'a master in the medium'.
Ackroyd studied at Leeds College of Art from 1956 to 1961, and subsequently at the Royal College of Art, London from 1961 to 1964. He has had many solo exhibitions, both in Britain and internationally. Ackroyd was elected a Royal Academician in 1991 and was made Senior Fellow, Royal College of Art in 2000. In 2007, he was awarded a CBE for services to Engraving and Printing.
About
Watts Contemporary Gallery sells contemporary artwork to support Watts Gallery Trust's Art for All programme. Curated exhibitions support and showcase work by emerging and established artists and makers of national and international merit, including local artists, that resonate with the heritage and ethos of Watts Gallery - Artists' Village.
Our contemporary programme complements the founding vision of Art for All of G F and Mary Watts, who, as contemporary artists in their own time, pushed the boundaries of fine art, craft and design. As well as supporting fellow contemporary artists, the Wattses' set up a thriving commercial pottery business. The Watts Contemporary Gallery is housed in the original pottery building.
'The Watts Contemporary Gallery, which formerly housed Mary Watts's Compton Pottery, showcases and sells artists' work in beautifully curated exhibitions in the spirit of Mary Watts' original commercial activities which supported the picture gallery and apprentices working in the pottery. Today the building showcases the work of subsequent and currently practicing artists who complement the collections and ethos of the Artists' Village. As an integral part of this remit, Watts Gallery Trust supports contemporary artists in their development and desire to reach new audiences.'
'The proceeds from the sale of work directly benefits Watts Gallery Trust's learning and outreach programme which engages over 20,000 participants each year. As an independent charity, this support is vital and has the double dividend of helping artists of the past and present as well as supporting members of the public who wish to engage with art and help current artistic practice thrive.' -
Alistair Burtenshaw, Director, Watts Gallery Trust
Find out about exhibition opportunities in our Exhibitors Pack.
History
Watts Contemporary Gallery is housed in the former Compton Pottery building. Mary Watts founded the Compton Potters' Arts Guild in 1900, and, a year later, the Compton Pottery was built at the bottom of the hill beneath Limnerslease.
The Pottery prospered throughout the beginning of the 20th century. Liberty & Co. on Regent Street stocked their works and, contrary to their own policy, allowed Compton ware to be marked with its own stamp. The Pottery remained a successful industry for a number of years, providing employment in the village until 1956.
Banner image credit: St Kilda Morning (detail) Norman Ackroyd, CBE RA
