Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) has launched a new appeal to raise funds for the redevelopment of Alton’s Allen Gallery.
The Ceramic Leaf appeal has been launched to support the trust’s Rediscovering the Allen Gallery project, which aims to unearth the stories of the nationally important ceramics collection at the gallery and in a second phase of the project, to undertake the refurbishment of the Allen Gallery to showcase the ceramics collection, create a dedicated community space and transform the gallery into a thriving heritage and culture hub for the community and town of Alton.
300 ceramic leaves have been carefully crafted by students and artists from 318 Ceramics and West Street Potters, as well as Allen Gallery staff and volunteers. Each leaf is unique and personal to each maker and features a specifically designed 'Allen Gallery 2023' stamp, marking this exciting new phase of the Allen Gallery’s history. There is also space for donors to write their name or a special message of support on the back of their chosen leaf. Visitors are invited to donate one of the unique handmade leaves, with a suggested minimum donation of £30 per leaf; the leaves will then be hung on a specially commissioned tree mural in the gallery.
The tree mural has been painted by local artist and illustrator, Andrew Sviridov, who has recently graduated from the University of Creative Arts, Farnham. It is inspired by collections on display in the gallery, including the familiar, nostalgic blue and white pieces, the numerous landscapes which feature prominently throughout the collections and the variety of painting and transfer techniques used on items such as the gallery’s Delftware collection. The tree also reflects the Allen Gallery’s tranquil garden, which is cared for by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Sviridov commented: ‘I came across the opportunity to undertake this work by pure chance. Immediately sold on the whole concept and aim of the project, I could not wait to begin! I took much inspiration from the wealth of Delft pottery within the Allen Gallery's collection when approaching the look of the mural, keeping it in line stylistically with a two-tone palette. The tree was painted over a number of days using acrylic paints and a variety of techniques, some of which were informed by Van Gogh's Almond Blossom painting. I am unbelievably excited to see people's reactions and in turn, interactions with the tree and the collection!’
The Allen Gallery, which is operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust, is currently in the first, development phase of the refurbishment project, with this phase funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The focus in the first months of the project has been of research into the collection of nationally and internationally important ceramics in both Alton and at Hampshire Cultural Trust’s central collections in order to discover their stories and create themes, making the collection accessible for everyone from novices to specialists to enjoy.
Stacey Court-Martin, Fundraising Manager at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: ‘One of the key elements of this development phase is building new and developing existing relationships with our community, ensuring their voices are included in our ambitious plans for the gallery. We are delighted to be able to share the work of local, skilled ceramists and a talented local artist with the community in Alton and visitors from further afield and create an Allen Gallery that can be enjoyed by all for years to come.’
Those wishing to support the Allen Gallery Ceramic Leaf appeal, can visit the Allen Gallery on Church Street, Alton, Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am-4pm. More information is also available at www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery and progress of the appeal will be shared on both the Allen Gallery and 318 Ceramics social media channels. The appeal ends on 29 October and donated leaves can be collected from 1 November 2023.