Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Debut of latest Russell Cotes Museum exhibition – Spirit of Place

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Russell Cotes Museum in Bournemouth

Experience the isle of Purbeck through art in the Russell Cotes Museum’s lates exhibition Spirit of Place which runs until March 2025.

 

Elissa Killey, the learning engagement officer of the museum, said “We’ve got artists like Leslie Matthew Ward, Mary Spencer Watson, Augustus John, Mark Gertler, Paul Nash. This is multiple artists that have all been inspired by the isle of Purbeck.”

 

They will feature a range of works spanning a century between the 20th and 21st century.

 

Ms Killey added “There is a range of everything from water colour, gauche, acrylics, mixed media, prints, oil, tempera… There are a few sculptural pieces as well.”

Map illustrating the places depicted in the works of art throughout the exhibit.

The previous exhibit featured a specific artist Albert de Belleroche, and their lithography portraits.

 

Ms Killey said “This one is kind of a juxtaposition, it’s multi-artist multimedia it’s an area that’s beloved by many people and it’s famed for its attractiveness.

 

“The isle of Purbeck is as artistically inspiring as anywhere else in the UK, that it is the influence on many artists, but also the affect it has on the artists themselves.”

 

The museum has brought out pieces from their own catalogue as well as loaned pieces from Southampton City Art Gallery, Pallant House Gallery, Corfe Castle Town Museum, and Swanage Museum. “We have loaned pieces from various galleries and museums in those places,” said Ms. Killey.

Elissa Killey Russell Cotes learning engagement officer standing at the entrance to the exhibit.

The exhibition will be divided based on the places and areas around Purbeck. Ms Killey said “There’s a section on Corfe Castle, there’s a section on quarrying, there’s the area of Saint Alban’s Head down to Worbarrow.”

 

The exhibit will be open until March 16, 2025. Ms Killey said “We are hoping to attract not just local people but people across Dorset, art lovers, and tourists who will want to get on the bus and travel to these places.”

 

Ticket prices are listed online with children and student admission set at £5. Ms Killey said: “I think all ages will be able to appreciate and enjoy it, there will be something for everyone in it.”