Wimbledon Museum is delighted to announce its upcoming art exhibition, A Brush with the Past, an exciting new collaboration with Common Works Gallery.
Ten contemporary artists have each drawn inspiration from works of art in the museum’s collection, reinterpreting the perspectives of intriguing figures such as Belgian refugee and anarchist Aloïs de Laet, suffragette Hilda Bather, and renowned stained glass designer Hugh Arnold.
The result is a vivid connection between past and present, bringing new life to scenes captured by past painters and offering visitors a fascinating variety of views of the common’s timeless landscape Wimbledon Common has inspired artists for centuries with its sweeping landscapes, tranquil woodlands, and rich history.
This exhibition breathes new life into these iconic scenes as today’s artists respond to the works of the past, offering fresh perspectives on familiar vistas. Visitors will witness a compelling fusion of traditional and modern styles, highlighting the enduring significance of Wimbledon’s unique environment.
Visitors will be encouraged to respond to the paintings themselves, and to visit the Common afterwards to make their own sketches.
Exhibition Highlights:
• Ten contemporary artists offering bold reinterpretations of historic works.
• Rarely seen paintings from Wimbledon Museum’s collection, usually in storage due to their
delicate nature and lack of display space
• A celebration of Wimbledon Common’s natural and cultural heritage
“This collaboration is a celebration of the timeless connection between art, history, and place,” says museum director Jacqueline Laurence. “By pairing historic paintings with contemporary responses, we invite visitors to see Wimbledon Common with new eyes, exploring its legacy and relevance today.”
Artist and co-founder of Common Works Gallery Katherine Rowe says, “I am repeatedly drawn to Wimbledon Common as painting inspiration and it feels magical that artists historically have been too. What a wonderful way to connect with the past.”
Exhibition: A Brush with the Past Details:
• Exhibition dates: Friday 31st January to Sunday 30th March 2025
• Location: Wimbledon Museum, 22 Ridgway (corner of Lingfield Road), Wimbledon SW19 4QN
• Opening hours: every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
• Free entry
About Wimbledon Museum:
Wimbledon Museum is a small, independent and volunteer run museum dedicated to celebrating the history and people of Wimbledon’s village, town, and common. From the Suffragette movement and Wimbledon during the war to manor houses and railways, the museum delves into what makes Wimbledon such a unique and special place.
Through engaging exhibitions, workshops, and community programs, the museum offers a space for discovery and connection.
About Common Works Gallery:
Run by artists Katharine Rowe and Katie Preston, Common Works Gallery is a community interest company that aims to showcase artists, provide them with a supportive community and opportunities to collaborate, and finally to inspire everyone to explore their own creativity.
As well as smaller exhibitions, they organise Art in the Park, a one-day arts festival in Cannizaro Park in partnership with The Friends of Cannizaro Park, and the Wimbledon Arts Trail.
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