Artist-In-Residence for Wimbledon Museum
Making history
As part of its ambition to make history here, Wimbledon Museum has welcomed Jo Holdsworth as its first ever artist in residence. The Museum, newly restored and redesigned for the 21st century, champions local history and invites people to make new connections and deepen their understanding of the Wimbledon area. Having an artist-in-residence is an exciting new initiative to engage visitors with its collection.
Jo is an award-winning contemporary British painter based in Wimbledon, known for her striking paintings of reflected and elongated figures. She takes inspiration from London’s ever-changing landscape and urban city views, as well as the coastal reflections in Cornwall at low tide. Her work has been on album and magazine covers and her dynamic and unique paintings are collected throughout the world.
As part of her residency, Jo is working on a series of sketchbook drawings responding to the Museum’s collections and the historic building in which the Museum is located. Jo is also creating a new series of large paintings at the Museum for a period of six weeks from 10 April to 22 May 2023.
Jo commented about her residency:
‘It is wonderful for me to become Wimbledon Museum’s first ever artist in residence and have the chance to connect and engage with its collections, as well as painting some large new works in this unique location. I am looking forward to sharing my practice with visitors whilst also hopefully inspiring them to think about the potential to develop their own creative journey.’
Wimbledon Museum Director Jacqueline Laurence said, “We are delighted to have invited Jo Holdsworth to be our first artist in residence at the Museum. Seeing art created live on site and meeting the artist herself is a fresh and exciting way to engage visitors with our collections, Wimbledon’s history and the creative process. We look forward to seeing the work Jo will create during her six-week residency with us.”
Wimbledon Museum was relaunched at the end of 2022, after a complete refurbishment and redesign. The new and intimate space tells the stories of Wimbledon to all generations, allowing visitors from all over the world to discover what makes Wimbledon such a special place. From the Suffragette movement to Wimbledon in the war, from manor houses to railways, there is something for everyone. Since reopening, the Museum has launched an exciting learning, activities and engagement programme both in the Museum and through outreach to share the history of Wimbledon’s diverse communities. Welcomed by friendly volunteers, attendance has more than doubled, and visitors have been enthusiastic in their praise:
‘So, so beautiful and well organised’
‘A great resource for the community’
‘A splendid transformation, but still covering all the old favourites’
‘Staffed by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers’
The museum is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm to 5pm, with free admission.
Wimbledon Museum – 22 Ridgway, London SW19 4QN
Instagram @thewimbledonmuseum
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