The Extraordinary Everyday: The Art & Design of Eric Ravilious exhibition has been wowing visitors since it opened on 15 February. Since then, the exhibition, which shares the ‘extraordinary’ works of war artist Eric Ravilious (1903 – 1942), has received glowing feedback from across the county and beyond.
Running until 15 May, this Hampshire Cultural Trust exhibition at The Gallery in the newly refurbished The Arc Winchester (formerly Winchester Discovery Centre), guides visitors through Eric Ravilious brilliant career, exploring in dazzling detail the work of the much-loved British painter, designer, ceramicist, book-illustrator and wood-engraver.
One visitor commented: "Thank you for bringing the extraordinary into our ordinary lives", with another saying: "We really enjoyed this exhibition - beautifully presented".
Thanks to the generosity of one private collector, the exhibition features an exciting selection of the artist’s designs for Wedgwood, including exquisite pieces from the Alphabet, Garden and Afternoon Tea sets alongside rarities such as the Coronation Golden Persephone design made for the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1952. Six mugs, in the style of the iconic Edward VIII Coronation Mug, will also be displayed. All six have rarely, if ever, been seen together in public.
Online feedback from visitors mentioned the exhibition as "a superb retrospective" and that they "loved the exhibition - I collect books on Ravilious and other mid-century British painters. To see the real thing was stunning".
The exhibition is curated by James Russell, previously curator of the 2015 blockbuster Ravilious at Dulwich Picture Gallery. James commented: "The overall mood of Extraordinary Everyday is celebratory, as we present his work to a new audience in Winchester, but there is plenty for the seasoned Ravilious fan to enjoy. In short, Hampshire Cultural Trust is showcasing the best of Ravilious, the fine artist and the designer. "