Decorative Plasterwork- The Art, The Craft And The Tradition
10/08/2012
Visitors to Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) will be treated to a rare opportunity to get up close to decorative plasterwork and see the artistry and craft involved in its creation at a new exhibition starting on Saturday 18 August.
The exhibition, A Symphony of Curves: Geoffrey Preston – a tradition in plaster, focuses on the work of Exeter based Geoffrey Preston, one of the UK’s leading architectural sculptors, specialising in sculpture and decorative plasterwork. It explores the craftsmanship and artistry of his work and places it in its historical context.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a beautiful new Rococo ceiling made in 2011. The displays also feature a range of his work, from design drawings to large decorative panels and also photographs of some of his principal commissions. The craft of decorative plasterwork is explored through displays of tools, materials and examples of work in progress and a special feature on the 17th century Devon craftsman John Abbott provides local historical context.
A Symphony of Curves runs from Saturday 18 August to Sunday 14 October. The exhibition is accompanied by a busy programme of talks and events that will enable visitors to find out more and to visit stunning examples of decorative plasterwork in Exeter and Devon. A digital ‘Devon plasterwork trail’ on RAMM’s website will also help enthusiasts explore the county’s rich heritage.
Geoffrey Preston has been at the helm of many award-winning projects many award-winning projects. His work draws from a rich tradition of plasterwork in Devon, nationally and internationally.
Photo opportunity and interviews
Geoffrey Preston will be available in the exhibition gallery for photographs and interviews from 11am to 12noon on Friday 10 August.
