Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition 2011

Taking responsibility

2012-02-10T03:59:00.000-08:00

I have recently been barracked for work that allegedly disappeared during the exhibition. The artist concerned never made any list of work on display, the work was not clearly marked with pricing and a lack of security was blamed.
However there was fully adequate security at all times, as approved and augmented by the gallery.
As security was blamed I can only suggest that it was not known when the work allegedly disappeared. It could have even disappeared when the artist was present in the gallery and therefore the loss would have been that artists responsibility.
May I remind all artists that the gallery clearly states in their terms and conditions on the website that they are not responsible for any theft or loss.
End of.
Mel Sewell

exhibition takedown

2011-11-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

please read carefully and diarise

Sent via FCN Groupemail, today

Dear All,

What a fantastic opening we had.

And great people and buying flow since then. (Big thankyou summary to come after close.)

Frome FM Live lounge from 7- midnight on Sat 26th. (If you come to 'steward', I'll get you in for free)

Exhibition closes Friday 2nd Dec.

All artists will be taking down Fri 2nd too.

Hi, just to remind y'all that takedown is friday 2nd. EVERYTHING must go by 4pm. If you don' Rook Lane (or me) will levy a daily surcharge with no guarantee of security of storage. Please may I remind you that some have neither paid me for the entry, nor paid the full amount. I'll see you on takedown to settle up.

As a closing thought: what if we offered a 20% discount on our work on the final day? what if we had an exchange of work (value equated) between us? I'm open to both.

Thanks

Mel

Rook Lane layout for exhibitors

2011-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here's my plan.
You will see that the square spaces are 2x2 metres. All wall widths are also indicated (although you will have to zoom in a bit). As the hanging is by J-Rail you may be able to hang several pieces, vertically off the same hanging.

latest info

2011-10-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY OPENINGS
My last email asked if anyone would like the exhibition to be open on Sundays. Well it is a bit weird that I should even have to ask as almost every gallery, of note, that I have ever visited HAS been open on a Sunday.
So, when only four of you answered in the positive. I had to assume that you either hadn’t read your email, or that you don’t want to be open on Sunday. If it is the latter that is very weird. You see Sunday is the other day in the weekend when people have free time and it is in this free time that they go shopping, sightseeing or goggling at art.
Well, push comes to shove. Annie at Rook Lane Arts was up against a deadline to put out the brochure for November/ December and needed a firm answer from me on whether we would wan to be open on Sundays. Note plural. There are TWO Sundays during the exhibition. So I told Annie to put us down for BOTH Sundays. That means £3x2=£6. I am assuming you are all going to sell and that you can find this amount from your cash tin and you will help prevent me digging further into my wallet. Please let me have your views on this matter.

POSTERS
I have printed 6xA1 posters for distribution around Frome, Wincanton and Yeovil. These will be for shop windows. One is already part of the installation at Black Swan Arts and will be there until the end of October. This will then be moved to a display in the Frome Health Shop on 14^th Nov. That leaves me one mounted poster as a spare. I have uploaded the poster jpeg onto the blogsite if you would like to print and use.

HANGING
There has become an issue with artists wishing to install their work and making their own bookings directly with Rook Lane Unfortunately this introduces chaos and I must please ask you to make any enquiries through me.
Please see timetable on previous email for your preferred installation times.

LABELLING
My last email also asked whether you would all please send your labelling details to me, whereupon I will print and stick onto foam core for you. OK, this is a minimum of 150 labels. So may I ask you firstly to let me have all the details 1 WEEK BEFORE THE EXHIBITION. That is no later than 11^th Nov.
In addition may I ask if anyone would like to help me cut and paste? (Refreshments provided.)

EXHIBITOR’S CATALOGUE
I am now proceeding with the catalogue and hoping to get all of you in. It will be printed A3, full colour and be kept very simple: Typical product example image, name, medium and exhibitor number.
If you would like to participate and you haven’t already sent me images (ie for the website), please let me have details and jpeg asap (I hate leaving things till the last minute). Ta.

STEWARDING
I am making an impassioned plea for help with stewarding. I will be there every day, of course. Dave Cooper has already stepped forward. Any more please?

CONTACT
On a closing note I hope that the new email format with wider spacing and larger font is agreeable to all.

Mel

Final Exhibitors List and additional notes

2011-10-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

　
FROME DECORATIVE ARTS EXHIBITION　
Set up and take down:
As some of you will no doubt have noticed we have quite a task ahead of us to set-up 30 artists between 10am and 5pm.
So I am going to ask you to help me, help Rook Lane Arts and help each other by allocating time slots for you to set-up:
10am – 1pmRos and David Cuthbert
Dave Cooper
Sarah Simpson
Hiro Takahashi
Badger and Aishling Goillon
Mel Sewell
Jenny Barton
Stina Harris
Anny Colgan
Tess Wakeling
Hugh Dunford-Woods
Mayumi
Jenny Thomas
Madeleine Bradbury
12 noon – 3pmAlex Relph
Anthony Rogers
Annette Burkitt and Tim
Ingrid Gammage
Bha Pardhy
Pat Tayler
Frome College
2 – 5pmGladys Paulus
Nina Gronw Lewis
Kate Rattray
Tom Bayliss
Zac Greening
Hellen and Ev Langford
Anne Shuttlewood
Claudia Phipps
Caroline Walsh-Waring and Kate Cochrane
Open Storytellers
Charleston Trust
Kate Semple

Sat 19^th Workshop, 10am – 5pm
Zac Greening, recycled art for kids
Sat 26^th Workshop, 10am – 5pm
Jane Lewis, weaving
PV
Friday 18^th, 6-9:00pm
Mark Abis
Saravian
Helen Moore
Open Storytellers (ten minute performance).
Frome FM Live Lounge
Sat 26^th, 7:30pm till late
　
Opening times will be:
Fri 18^th, PV 6-9:00pm
Sat 19^th, 10am – 5pm
Sun 20th and Monday 21st closed. Sunday could be open if you are willing to share the extra cost of £90 (ie between 30 artists = £3 ea). Please let me know asap.
Tue 22 – Sat 26^th open 10am to 5pm. Pm setup for Frome FM Live Lounge, commence at 9,30pm till late.
Sun 27^th and Mon 28^th. Ditto above.
Tues 29^th – Fri 2^nd open 10am – 5pm. Exhibition closed and all work to be taken down pm.
There will be an A1 poster printed to advertise the exhibition and positioned outside the Rook Lane main gates, this will include all opening times.
I have a labelling template for titling your work (supplied by Annie at Rook Lane). I suggest in order to follow the format and font and keep the whole exhibition tidy and corporate that you send your needs to me and I will print and make lables. Please send me the info as: your name, work title, media, price. Hanging is through the J-Rail system. See blogsite for details. Rook Lane will supply.
Please remember that there are plenty of electrical points, but bring your own equipment and leads. Rook Lane do not supply plinths, or display boards.
The exhibition is covered by the Rook Lane public liability insurance.
Space is available in the café area (where the workshops will be held) to display work produced by the workshop participants.
There is presently an installation, poster and handout in the foyer at Black Swan to advertise the exhibition. This will be there until end Oct. There will also be an A1 poster in the Health Shop from 14-25 Nov and posters around town, as well as Wincanton an Yeovil.
I hope you saw the exhibition’s ½ page ad in The List this month. There will be another next month.
Rook Lane Arts have asked me to remind you that all cash/ cheques from art sales will go through Rook Lane Arts Trust, they then take their 25% commission at the end of the exhibition and will write you a cheque for the remaining 75%.
Posters are also in the process of being produced for shop windows. If you would like copies please let me know. I will also post a jpeg on the blogsite so you can print yourself.
Workshops: I will put the artist’s phone numbers on the poster as well as including it on all upcoming publicity so that interested parties can contact you direct for bookings. Please feel free to self publicise.
Money: I would be grateful if you would all send me your cheques for £25 by 18^th October. Please make out your cheque to Mr Melvyn A Sewell and send to me at 63 Alexandra Rd, Frome, BA11 1LX. This will be paid into an account with the Co-Op Bank opened specially for the exhibition. If you have an account with the Co-Op Bank and would prefer to transfer the amount direct please let me know and I will let you have the acct and branch numbers.
Mel
mel_sewell@yahoo.co.uk
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

Exhibition poster free to download and print

2011-10-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Link to my facebook page.

2011-09-10T04:46:00.001-07:00

For anyone not able to find Mel Sewell (me) on facebook, please click HERE:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144182355667144&view=wall#!/profile.php?id=611572585

Stewarding, cash box, banking etc.

2011-09-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

The exhibition will be attended by a steward every day who will be responsible for asking visitors to 'Please sign the guestbook' and be in charge of taking any money for sales if artists are not present. Cash will be taken and locked in a safe deposit box. I would prefer not to take cheques and a receipt will always be given. If the artist's money is not claimed by the end of the exhibition it will be banked in an account specially set up for the exhibition. All exhibition deposits, payment to artists, sponsors and the gallery will be made from this same account.
Setup day will be November 18th from 0100-1700hrs and the PV will commence at 1800hrs. So please have a look at the floor plan and let me know where you would like to be placed and how much work you would like to include. Best example of this is use of space as seen on my facebook (Mel Sewell) page 'Rook Lane' album.
There are plenty of sockets and extensions for electrical connections. Please check instructions for hanging as found on this blogsite and if you wish to exhibit your work on plynths, please bring your own. Ditto tables.
If anyone has any queries regarding the admin please eme at mel_sewell@yahoo.co.uk

Closing Date for booking space

2011-09-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone in the Frome area.
I have had a number of confirmations for the exhibition. Some have already been quick enough to send me 5 images and a four line biog to upload to the exhibition website and I have others who have expressed their interest. Closing date for booking space is now Sep 18. Entry is £25 all in (I'll ask for the money at a later date). Please email me with your confirmation, 5 images of work examples (they may change on exhibition date if you wish) and the four line biog asap.

J-rail instructions and floor/wall plans

2011-09-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

Rook Lane Floor Plan Grey areas are floor spaces of 4 metres sq each Enough for a table and/ or a few pieces of funiture, o sculptures, beige areas are wall spaces with widths indicated. For a better look at the wall spaces see Rook Lane Arts website, or go to my facebook page (Mel Sewell) and stroll though the 'Rook Lane with numbers' album. All space is negotiable/flexible. If you haven't asked about specific space then I suggest you do, soon. First come first served. All those currently on website will have priority (03/09/11).

J-Rail instructions
We currently use the j-rail wall system, which comprises of the following elements;
THE RAIL

Aluminium heavy duty rail with direct screw fixing to the wall, suitable for the heaviest of pictures.

THE CORD
Cylinder anchor with perlon cord. The anchor sits onto the J-Rail and the weight on the cord stops it from coming of the rail.
We use cords of three metres in length, any excess should be coiled up and masking taped behind the piece. Under no circumstances must the cord be cut.　
THE HOOKS
The hooks slip onto the cords and fix in position by their spring action.
The pictures then hook onto the hooks. We use two different types of hooks; one for regular usage, the other for particularly heavy weight items.Aluminium heavy duty rail with direct screw fixing to the wall, suitable for the heaviest of pictures.

Smart-Spring HookEasily adjusted by pinch action. Max. load 4kg (8lbs)	Self-locking HookHeavy duty Max. load 10kg (22lbs). Chrome finish. Adjusted by easy to use spring locking mechanism.

　HANGING BASICS

When hanging small pictures, only 1 cord/cable is necessary...	...but when hanging larger pictures 2 cords/cables may be preferable.

5 - STEP GUIDE TO HANGING

Place Pictures on the floor around the walls representing where you will be hanging items. (N.B. By hanging in vertical lines you will require fewer cords to hang from.)

Identify items requiring heavy weight hooks.

Hang items roughly in place, (you will require the ladder for this – see Ladder Health & Safety instructions), taking care to keep some weight on the cords when lifting pieces so to avoid the anchor slipping out from the rail.

Once all items are basically in the right place, go around using a spirit level or similar to get pictures to hang level and correctly. (N.B. By carefully squeezing the hooks you can achieve minimal movement up/ down the cord.)

Coil any overhanging cords and use masking tape or similar to tape excess behind the pictures.

USING THE LADDER – Health & Safety WarningRook Lane Arts provide an extendable A-Frame Ladder for the purposes of picture hanging. Please read the following before use.

Please use the solid cross supports when in ‘A’ formation to avoid slippage.

Do not over extend the third segment of the ladder.

Ensure ladder is stable before mounting. If at all unstable, have a second person supporting the base of the ladder.

Avoid over-stretching when on the ladder, get off and move ladder nearer if need be. Ensure you have a firm footing before reaching from ladder.

For carrying, please secure the ladder in a folded position using the catches provided.

Hanging and exhibiting

2011-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Rook Lane will be open on 18th from 0100 -1700hrs for hanging and arranging. If you have forgotten what the space there looks like you can see it on the Rook Lane Arts website, or on my facebook page (Mel Sewell) in the 'Rook Lane with numbersalbum. The hanging mechanism is J-Rail, See above. Please arrive as early as possible so that we don't have a last- minute rush. Don't forget the PV is the same evening at 1800hrs.
If you haven't started to book space with me, then I suggest you do so as soon as possible. If there aren't enough applicants from Frome I will have to throw it open to a wider catchment area.

Mel

Dates and Events starting to come together

2011-08-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

November 18th, 1800-2100hrs
Private View
Bar
Music from Mark Abis http://serpentsounds.com/ and Saravian at http://www.myspace.com/saravian
Poetry from Helen Moore see http://www.natures-words.co.uk/

November 19th, 0100-1700hrs
Zac Greening will be giving wokshops for children "Up-cycled Art".

Zac's workshop - a new way to look at rubbish.

Elephants made from milk bottles, gold trees from saw dust to abstract seas from coke cans we will be making works of art from rubbish! After this class you will look at rubbish in a totally different way. Bring along your cleaned rubbish and we will discover exciting ways to turn it into something all your friends will admire.

"I usually go into primary schools where I have the support of other teachers. In this instance I would be happy to look after 12 kids on my own providing that there is parental supervision. My rate is £20 per person."

www.zacgreening.com

November 26th, 0100-1700hrs
Theresa Sundt - Colour Workshop
"With a 15 people class the fee is £25, all materials included. You will go home with a painted A3 rainbow plus the wonderful/healing experience of painting it, and also with a small weaving all complete and beautified to hang on their wall, as soon as you are back home! In addition to the painting and weaving you will be introduced to the healing and psychological qualities of colour as well as the colour of your personality. A very comprehensive and creativily satisfying workshop!"
www.colour-discovery.com

November 26th, 1930hrs - late
Frome FM "Live Lounge"
www.fromefm.co.uk

Catchup

2011-08-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

More exhibitors are contacting me by the day and the PROPER WEBSITE for the EXHIBITION at www.fromedecorativeartsexhibition.co.uk is now begining to look healthy with yer actual images of exhibitors.

Of course it would be great if you would now all inundate me with 5 images and 4 line biog. Why? Need I remind you that times are tough. How much wok have you sold in the past 24 months? So we all know that we have to run FOUR TIMES HARDER just to keep standing still. The exhibition blogsite is being publicised to 30 publications/media over the next few months, as well as 30 London Galleries. So this is all FOR YOU.
MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

The actual opening dates/times are:
Setup 18th. From 10am. Please arrive as early as possible. there will be lots to do before the PV later.
PV on 18th at Rook Lane, 1800-2100hrs. Music from Mark Abis, Saravian, Tim Manning and poetry from Helen Moore.
Gallery open until 2 Dec but not open 20/21 and 27/28. Rook Lane have told me that they will not have the gallery open on Sundays. I think this is bonkers. If you agree please let me know and I'll see if I can twist their arm.
Sat 19th workshops with Theresa Sundt (colour discovery)
Sat 26th workshops with Zac Greening (children+art+recycled materials)
More on both those later.
Guest appearance (don't know when) from Kevin McCloud.
There will be a steward every day of the exhibition. If you are not there to see clients and take money please let me know.

New Website

2011-08-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,
The new website my developers have been promising for months is now up on the internet although we are now looking at the content, which is experimental. If you wish to see it at any stage please go to www.fromedecorativeartsexhibition.co.uk

Ta

Mel

Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition – where its at

2011-08-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

　
Dear Participant

Before August 7^th I will need to get a press release out to the monthly magazines for their November/December issues. Attached you will see my media list.

Sally Shalam (ex Guardian Travel Writer and now living in Frome) has helped me with an outline, also see attached.
If you are still interested in participating at the exhibition I would like to ‘Headline’ you, with the others in the outline, as well as send the media a collage of images , which would include a representative piece of work from you.

In addition, sometime in the next few weeks I would like to put up a band new website giving a four line outline and five images to each exhibition participant.

Please reply with utmost urgency.

Best regards
　
　
Mel SewellMel_sewell@yahoo.co.uk
M; 07423060859
W:
www.fromedecorativeartssociety.blogspot.com

Media and gallery list for press releases

2011-08-01T03:27:00.001-07:00

Architect's Journal
Art Monthly
Bath Magazine
Blackmore Vale Magazine
Craft and Design Magazine
Crafts Magazine/Crafts Council
Design
Frome Creative Network website
Frome Life
Frome Times#
Frome Town Talk
Homes and Antiques
London Galleries	White Cube
	Lisson Gallery
	Alan Cristea Gallery
	Halcyon Gallery
	Bernard Jacobson Gallery
	Gagosian Gallery
	Victoria Miro Gallery
	The Hays Galleria
	Stuart Shave Gallery
	The Strand Gallery
	Scream
	Frith Strett
	Eleven
	The Future Gallery
	Brick Lane
	SW1
	Michael Hoppen Gallery
	Contemporary Applied Arts
	Parasol
	Village Underground
	Idea Generation
	Signal Gallery
	Art First
	Stolen Space
	20 Hoxton Square
	Rivington Place

	Arnolfini
	Jill George
	Fringe Arts Bath


RA
Rook Lane
SAW website

Frome FM
Somerset Life

Telegraph on Saturday
The List
The World of Interiors
Wessex Muse#
Western Gazette

Somerset Life
Evolver

Furball
Muse
What on Mendip
Somerset Arts Website
Somerset County Gazette
Bridgewater Mercury
Chard and Ilminster News
Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News
Yeovil Express



BANA News Page
Somerset Guide
Visit Somerset
SAW
Artists & Illustrators Magazine
Somerset Standard
Somerset Guardian
Frome Times
Fosseway

Frome Schools

Terms and conditions, timetable and more

2011-07-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Forgot: Rook Lane will be asking 25% of your take.
Hanging and arranging to be 16 and 17 November. Take down 5 Dec.
As stated previously I am only asking £25 for your entry fee (I'll chase that at a later date), that will include the PV (and Rook Lane's publicity machine and printed brochure), all my pr and publicity, a PV printed invite for you to dish to friends and potential buyers, posters around the town (and maybe out of town and Bath too) and an exhibitor's brochure (A3, printed colour, both sides and room for 64 entries - more about that later).
There will be a programme of musical events, which I will also advise you about later.
And if it really does look like a good event we can also take space at Sun Street Arts.
OK, will add more as time goes by.

Newsletter 21/07/11

2011-07-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition
Newsletter 21/07/11
Hi everyone,
I know the dust has barely settled on the latest Open Studios (if it will ever settle!!), but I now need to get on with promoting and organising the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition.
Attached to this email you will find the latest list of those who have expressed an interest plus those I would like to see at the exhibition. The list is growing daily and it is only 4 months away. But we all know how time flies.
I have also attached the list of media and art galleries that I will be sending out press releases to, while if anyone has any additional suggestions – all welcome.
And there’s a diagram of Rook Lane so you can see what space there is and where it is. The square grey blocks are floor spaces of 4 sq metres and the wall space is indicated by the beige rectangles – all of which are a different size, so we’ll have to discuss your individual needs. But if anyone saw the Four and Twenty Artists Exhibition recently you will have a good idea of the space.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Will you now express your firm intention to participate and give me an idea of what kind of space you would like. Each entry is ONLY £25, which includes the PV, all press, publicity and posters. If I am fortunate to receive a large entry list then I think I can overflow into the newly opened Sun Street Arts. (If you haven’t seen that space - you should. Owned by Charlie Brandt at the Sun Street Chapel, Sun St)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Get your application in asap, I’ll be asking for money later.
Notice has already been posted on the Frome Creative Network website and over the next 48 hours I will be updating the blogsite, setting up a Facebook site and looking into what the web developers are doing with the pukkha website.
Thanks
Love and Peace
Mel
PS: If you know someone I haven't approached and you think this would be of interest to them please get them to email me at mel_sewell@yahoo.co.uk
Ta

Charleston Trust behind the Frome decorative Arts Exhibition

2011-06-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, good news folks. Charleston Trust love what is coming with the exhibition and are to provide promo material. Go see all about the Charleston farmhouse, grounds, shop and courses at www.charleston.org.uk

Arts and Crafts

2011-05-30T08:44:00.001-07:00

If anyone would like to read up on the Arts and Crafts movement here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_Crafts_Movement

Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition News

2011-05-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition News21-05-11
Hi everyone.
I know I promised you a regular monthly newsletter about matters relating to the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition, but several very exciting things have happened, and I feel I want to share them with you now.
Field trip to Charleston Farmhouse, Berwick Church and Brighton MuseumI have in my library a book entitled “Omega and After – Bloomsbury and the decorative arts” which features the residence of the “Bloomsbury set” in the Sussex countryside, near Lewes. The book contains many images of the decorated interior painted with a background of the artist’s immersion in post-impressionism. Their style and application in ceramics, fabrics, furniture and wall murals has fascinated me for years and has partly been the force behind the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition I will be curating in November at Rook Lane Arts.
I had also discovered that my intention to go to Brighton to enjoy some of the performances in the Brighton Festival coincided with an exhibition at the Brighton Museum of some of the work of the Bloomsbury artists. So the course was set.
The Charleston Farmhouse was easy to find - off the A237 and just past the Lewes turnoff. Once packed and inside the shop crammed with many tempting items of books, lamps, paintings, and merchandise (also available on-line via their website) I was lured into the conducted tour to take place at 4. Half an hour between arrival and the tour gave me the opportunity to head for the café and grab some coffee and cake (after the long drive) and watch two videos about the artists and the farmhouse. The tour guide knew each room, each piece of art, each square inch of hand-made wallpaper, as well as the artists, their connections and their intimate lives. And was quite capable of answering many questions that the group bombarded her with. Having read my book “Omega and after” many, many times as well as scrutinised the plates I was at last in contact with the art and history itself. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time I was there. Each room displayed a delight of painted furniture, art and decoration until finally, after an hour we were brought into the studio to realise that this was probably where all the inspiration had poured into and from. Next I went on a small self-conducted tour around the gardens.
Photography was not permitted anywhere inside the building, but I was free to photograph as much as I wished outside. If you go to the new website devoted to the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition you will see many of these images, as well as a copy of this report. (And also on my Facebook entry – Mel Sewell.)
Charleston Farmhouse also provided a hundred brochures, which I have agreed to promote on their behalf - as they were kind enough to also provide me with some images for the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition website.www.charleston.org.uk
www.fromedecorativeartsexhibition.co.uk
St Michael & All Angels Church, BerwickWhile at Charleston I was asked if I had been to the Berwick Church. Curiously I had a leaflet of Charleston from 1993 and someone had scribbled a note on it to see the church - so it was one of my objectives. Having only finished the farmhouse tour at 5pm I was concerned that I would miss the church, but was re-assured that ‘they stayed open to almost sunset.’ Casually I arrived at the church at a few minutes to six only to be told that it was closing at six, no exceptions. I thus had to try and view the marvellous decorations in just a few minutes. Cistine Chapel – eat your heart out!!! This work needs some serious study, but I did walk away with the leaflet and a vow to return.www.berwickchurch.org.uk
If any artists would like to take a day trip to visit Charleston Farmhouse, Berwick Church and Brighton Museum I would be quite happy to organise a mini-bus and drive you there (then I get to see everything again).Brighton Museum and Art GalleryThe exhibition “Bloomsbury – the art of Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell 1905-1925”is an absolute MUST. Although the gallery space at the Museum is not big enough to contain all of the artists’ work, it was enough to give a strong flavour of the amazing talent on show. Talks and lectures are also available - on until 9 Oct 2011.www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk
Meeting Madeleine BradburyThat evening I had an appointment with Madeleine Bradbury who is a dynamic, living, present day artist, resident in Brighton and paints in the style of the Omega artists to produce furniture which is sold internationally, from her website and at the Charleston farmhouse. I had taken the opportunity of seeing her work on her website, which you can too at http://bloomsburyinteriors.wordpress.com/
After an amusing evening talking about a range of artistic and social issues Madeleine agreed to exhibit some of her beautiful work at the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition – an agreement which will expand her sales potential, but will also help link Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition, the Charleston Farmhouse and the Omega artists in a way which will be meaningful, cohesive and visible. And will help drive the awareness of the artists and the project.
Colour DiscoveryTheresa Sundt has agreed to help our cause of promoting Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition by giving a talk and then a one day workshop on colour psychology (as I reported last month).http://color-discovery.com/
MarketingMy original intention to produce the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition came about as the result of a small study I did of the artists in and around Frome and the marketing efforts that were being made.
I was very impressed with the work being carried out by fromecreativenetwork on the website and subsequently with the ‘Brown Bag Lunches’ and was similarly interested in the work carried out at Rook Lane Arts, the Black Swan and the Silk Mill, as well as that being sweated over by the artists individual promotions and exhibitions.
However I came to the conclusion that the perhaps the target audience was not fully understood and that the area in which they lived was being repeatedly spoken to, while more specifically the target audience was largely Frome and Bath.
I came to the conclusion that if Frome artists wanted to capture a wider audience they would have to look further and approach it in a different way.
So, guys and girls let me say, before I continue that I think the standard of work being produced is of a very high quality. I have looked at artists work in SAW, in the Wylye ValleyTrail, at galleries in Bath, Bristol, London, Exeter and Brighton. And I think that your work can proudly stand alongside a lot of the competition.
So what seemed to be needed was a bold step forward that looks beyond current boundaries and with a positive, confident stance, while fully understanding the target audience. (You may remember my original marketing document – if you don’t it is still posted at www.fromedecorativeartssociety.blogspot.com)
That’s where the idea of the Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition came along. It is a platform, which will enable artists and craftsfolk to enter the home of potential customers heart and soul. It is a platform, which says “You like art, but can you justify it on its own? So look at arts and crafts as an integral part of you home and décor.“
The idea of generating publicity is to help move Frome artists along to a wider target audience and will include the use of a broader band of media, higher profile galleries, more savvy target audience and will even include other practitioners in decorative arts from outside Frome to generate a larger image and shove things along.
Frome CollegeIn principle they are very interested in getting students involved. Awaiting meeting to discuss with Marcus Gee.
New Frome Decorative Arts Exhibition website
Yes the new website is up and running, but only as a trial. The content is there to test useability and relevance, so please have a look and let me have your comments.www.fromedecorativeartsexhibition.co.uk
Other NewsYes I did invite Kevin McCloud to come and open the exhibition, but sadly he will be away. However he did say he would try and see the exhibition!! (Maybe a chance for ‘photo-opp’ of him alongside you and your work?)
BooksIf you would like to catch up on reading about the Omega Workshop and the Bloomsbury artists there are books available on Amazon. I recently purchased a very good, second hand copy of “Bloomsbury” edited by Gillian Naylor for £12. The other worthwhile book is “Omega and after” by Isabelle Anscombe.
Anything else?If anyone has any suggestions about the website, promotion and marketing, musicians, celebrities (to open the exhibition) please e-me at mel_sewell@yahoo.co.uk.
Thanks
Mel
SORRY, SORRY, Damned web hosters still haven’t made the www.fromedecorativeartsexhibition.co.uk site go live. Am bugging them as hard as I can. Will update you.

See the fantastic Charleston Farmhouse

2011-05-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yes folks this is a trip.
The Charleston Farmhouse is where many of the Omega Workshop artists spent time and also contributed to the interior design of the dwelling with their art. Today you can take a walk around the house and its gardens, or you can partake in one of the courses available.
http://www.charleston.org.uk/

Rook Lane Arts commission

2011-04-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, guys, yes, I forgot Rook Lane will charge 25% COMMISSION ON ALL WORK SOLD, which I think is very light.

Progress report 26-04-11

2011-04-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

　
I expect some of you may be wondering what progress has been made for this event, so without further ado:

The space at Rook Lane is now booked and the deposit paid. I have had lengthy discussions with Annie Davies (who has taken over from Jo - in case you didn’t know). It has been agreed that Rook Lane will handle the bar for the private view and that I will be providing the snacks. The event will be open from Sat 19 Nov to Sat 3 Dec, but the space will be closed on 20/21 and 27/28. The private view will be on the evening of 18^th, while hanging may commence on 17^th. Takedown will be Sat 3^rd Dec. Rook Lane will be sending out their email newsletter to guests, artists and the media and will include the event in their new, monthly brochure. I have provisionally booked three musicians to play at the private view and various times throughout the event. (If you have anyone you would like to suggest – all suggestions welcome).
I haven’t been pushing for confirmation of entries, as it is still early days, but will be asking for numbers after the Frome Festival has quietened down.
A poster, invite card and postcard have been designed and are just waiting confirmation of names.
The website is almost complete and uses the same fab software that I used for my own website at http://www.takescantalk.co.uk/
Once this is complete I will post it and then all participants are free to take a look and verify content.
So that we can generate a wider awareness of the event, beyond the local area the media list is now fleshing out; Frome Times, Craft and Design Magazine, Homes and Antiques, Arts Council, Crafts Council, Wessex Muse, Architect, The World of Interiors, Design, Somerset Life, Blackmore Vale Magazine, Somerset Arts Website, Bath Magazine, Frome Creative Network website, Mendip Times, Western Gazette, SAW website, London Galleries (tba), Frome FM, The List (two ads booked for Sep and Oct), Frome Life, Telegraph on Saturday. Any other suggestions gratefully accepted.
Theresa Sundt, the fab colour therapist will be giving a talk and a day course in colour therapy "Colour Discovery explores the nature of colour through science, art and research, focusing deeply on ways in which colour can heal us and improve our lives. Theresa Sundt spreads colour knowledge through a variety of courses and events, seeking to develop the use of colour as one of the best tools for self-awareness and well being." I’m not suggesting anyone who comes to the exhibition, or even to Theresa’s events is unwell J but the understanding and application of colour is a useful tool in decoration and design.
http://www.colour-discovery.com/index.html

Roger Barnes and I will be giving a talk on the Omega Workshop and we are currently collating info on this (any help gratefully accepted).

Zac Greening will be exhibiting and will also be holding a workshop for kids on creating art using recycled materials. You can see Zacs fab work at

http://www.stisa.co.uk/artist-gallery/zac-greening/

OK that’s it for now.

Best regards

Mel

How to prepare furniture for decoration

2011-04-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

Instructions

things you'll need:

Light-grit sandpaper
Water-based primers
Portable vacuums
Water-based paints
Paint sprayers
Tack cloths
Small and large brushes
Newspapers Or drop cloths

Make sure there's no chance that your piece of furniture is an antique could be destroyed by changing the finish.

Set up your work area in a well-ventilated place with nothing around that could produce flames or sparks.

Remove drawer pulls and other hardware. Place the furniture on a layer of newspaper or a disposable drop cloth.

Sand the piece of furniture until smooth with sandpaper or liquid sander. You may need to sand the furniture two or even three times, starting with relatively rough sandpaper (100 grit) and moving on to progressively finer grits (150). Wear gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask.

Remove any residual sawdust with a hand vacuum, brush or a tack cloth - you don't want to wet the wood.

Apply a coat of either white brush-on or gray spray-on water-based primer, depending on the size and area of the piece of furniture you intend to cover.

Allow the primer to become dry to the touch; this usually takes 1 to 2 hours. If you're not sure, read the recommended drying time on your can of primer.

If the primer coat looks spotty or thin, apply a second coat and allow it to dry.

Sand any rough areas.

Add a coat of water-based paint. Brush it on with even strokes, going in the direction of the wood grain. With spray paint, make slow passes with the can 8 to 12 inches from the wood surface. Allow the first coat to dry.

Add a second coat and allow it to dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

Wash paintbrushes well immediately after use. Rinse under fast-running water until the water runs clear from the bristles.
When working with latex paint use brushes with synthetic bristles. Natural bristles work best for oil or alkyd based paints
When using spray paint, cover a wide area with newspaper to protect adjacent surfaces.
Always work in a well-ventilated area.

The Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture

2011-03-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

Yes the Decorative Arts are alive and well and thriving all around us.
The Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture has a fantastic website which you should really be inspired by. There is everything there from painting patterns, to textiles, interior design, lectures, children's workshops, contemporary design, art and issues related to the domestic environment. Check it out at www.moda.mdx.ac.uk

Victoria and Albert Museum

2010-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Victoria and Albert is the greatest decorative-arts museum in the world.

Read more:

Or go see at the V&A website at: http://www.vam.ac.uk/

CERAMICS
Four years of refurbishment are now complete. Rooms
140 - 145 offer a comprehensive introduction to the world
of ceramics, featuring about 3,000 of the museum's finest
pieces. The remaining rooms display the rest of the
collection - around 26,000 pieces - as a study resource"
　
FURNITURE"The collection at the Victoria and Albert
Museum consists of more than 14,000
pieces from Britain, Europe and America,
dating from the Middle Ages to the present
day. It is predominantly of furniture but also
includes related objects such as architectural
and decorative woodwork, musical instruments,
leatherwork, treen and clocks. The collection
also includes complete rooms, some of which
are on display in the British Galleries."
　
Fashion, Jewellery & Accessories"The Victoria and Albert Museum has collected
dress since its earliest days.
The collection covers fashionable dress
from the 17th century to the present day,
with the emphasis on progressive and
influential designs from the major fashion
centres of Europe. The V&A collections
also include accessories such as jewellery,
gloves and handbags."

Wouldn't it be lovely if Frome had its own permanent Museum of Decorative Arts?
Does anyone out there know anyone who would like to donate a building to this cause?
　
　
"The V&A houses the greatest and most comprehensive
collection of Ceramics in the world. For the first time in
100 years, we are redisplaying this vast collection which
spans from 3500 BC to the present day. The collection
is particularly rich in Ceramics from Asia, the Middle
East and Europe.　http://www.frommers.com/destinations/london/A24116.html#ixzz19KVJInGx

Some interesting links

2010-11-25T05:31:00.001-08:00

http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/search.php

http://www.wolfsonian.fiu.edu/

http://www.designmuseum.org/

http://www.ftmlondon.org/

http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/

http://www.bgc.bard.edu/exhibit/

http://www.thesilverbulletin.com

http://www.wallpaperhistorysociety.org.uk/

WIP

2010-11-25T02:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a copy of the original document setting out the idea of the exhibition, some background to decorative arts (Omega Workshop) and a list of those expressing an interest so far.
Of course there is a breadth of time before the actual exhibition date so there is going to be some movement of those who express an interest and those who finally participate.

Decorative Arts Exhibition Frome
Objective: To hold an exhibition of work by various artists and craftsfolk from the Frome area which will reflect the application of design to household (and office) interiors. This would be the first of its kind with further annual exhibitions to promote new work and artists, as well as special features.
Artists will not be restricted in their style, nor choice of object and medium.
The concept of Decorative Arts is to take art, crafts and household items and bring them all together to create added value.

The items could be as wide ranging as:
Wallpaper, Carpeting, Fabrics and soft furnishings, Curtains, Pillows
Tables, Chairs, Magazine racks, Chests, Storage units, Chalkboards
Key holders, Doors, Fireplaces, Laptops, Garage doors, Lamps
Umbrella stands, Crockery, Tableware, Toys etc etc.

A new category would be video projection and electronic media as a new form of decorative art.

Publication and marketing of a book of each exhibiting artist and their work at Blurb.com

Background: The average person who under normal circumstances would take great pleasure from purchasing art or crafts is now coming under pressure to question where the household budget is going to be spent. This may not be the best time to ask people to INVEST in art, but if they can be persuaded that their hard earned cash can go into making their home arty, crafty, more enjoyable and practical then they may be able to make an easier justification. In short decorative arts must aim to make the item enjoyable and pleasurable to have in the home.

Target Audience:
1. AB socio economic, 45-65, professional, qualified, knowledgeable, town and country.
2. AB socio economic, 35-44, professional, qualified, adventurous, town.
3. Professional architect/ interior designer, design/art/crafts media.

Structure: Like all good events the exhibition of items is only an integral part of what makes the event a success. The event could take place over one week + two weekends.

Community: A lecture on decorative arts and the Omega Workshop; a discussion about what people expect from arts and crafts in the home; a handout to be made available to artists which gives them further contacts and inspiration for creating their own decorative arts; a demonstration of how to prepare furniture for art application, the launch of a new decorative arts centred resource website; a workshop on how to produce decorative arts with some hands-on experience for both adults and children.
Public questionnaire about the arts and decorative art with prize for participation.

Venue: Somewhere with an evocative atmosphere and with a reputation for holding similar events with a mailing list of its own.
+ Launch evening + closing party (and auction?)

Media: Good forward media coverage in local, national, specialist, broadcast and electronic media.
A leaflet to be available to the public.

Support: Sam West

Interest so far (17-11-10):
Kate Cochrane
Roger Roving
Annette Burkett #
Ingrid Gammage
Stina Harris
Gladys Paulus #
Kate Raffray
Ellen Tovey
Helga Watkins Baker +4
Sarah Simpson
Bha Phardy
Caroline Walsh Waring #
Anny Colgan
Barbara Huxley
Barbara Clark
Lyn Truscot
Mel Day
Adam Harvey & Emma Wells
Claudia Phipps #
Helen Langford #
Emma Wells & Adam Harvey
Mel Sewell #

Jason at Frome Times

# confirmed.

Copyright Mel Sewell 10-11-10

Addendum

About Omega Workshop

The Omega Workshops was a design enterprise founded by members of the Bloomsbury group and established in 1913. It was located at 33 Fitzroy Square in London.
Beginnings
In forming the company, critic Roger Fry aimed to remove what he considered to be the false divisions between the decorative and fine arts, and give his artist friends an additional income opportunity designing furniture, textiles and other household accessories. Fry was keen to encourage a Post-Impressionist influence in designs produced for Omega. However, Cubist and Fauvist influences are also apparent, particularly in many of the textile designs.
To ensure items were only bought for the quality of the work, and not the reputation of the artist, Fry insisted works be shown anonymously, marked only with the letter omega. The products were in general expensive, and aimed at an exclusive market.
Designers and Manufacturers
In addition to offering a wide range of individual products, such as painted furniture, painted murals, mosaics, stained glass, and textiles, Omega Workshops Ltd offered interior design themes for various living spaces. A commission was taken to decorate a room for the 1913 Ideal Home Exhibition, and an illustrated catalogue, including text written by Fry, was published in autumn 1914.
Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant produced designs for Omega, and Wyndham Lewis was initially part of the operation. Lewis however split off at an early stage, taking with him several other participants to start the rival decorative workshop Rebel Art Centre after accusing Fry of misappropriating a commission to decorate a room at the Ideal Home Exhibition in the autumn of 1913. In October 1913, Wyndham Lewis, Frederick Etchells, Edward Wadsworth and Cuthbert Hamilton announced their resignation from Omega in a letter, known as the 'Round Robin', to its shareholders and patrons. This letter contained accusations particularly against Fry, criticising the workshops products and ideology. This split not only led to the formation of the Rebel Art Centre, but also the Vorticist movement.
Most manufacturing for Omega was outsourced to professional craftsmen, such as J. Kallenborn & Sons of Stanhope Street, London for marquetry furniture; Dryad Ltd of Leicester for tall cane seat chairs and a company in France was used to manufacture early printed linens.
In the autumn of 1913 Fry, who also created the designs for Omegas tall cane seat chairs, started designing and making pottery. After he considered book design and publishing in July 1915, the Superintendent of printing at Central School of Arts and Crafts collaborated with Omega in designing four books that were later outsourced for printing.
The range of products continued to increase throughout Omega Workshops six year existence, and in April 1915 Vanessa Bell began using Omega fabrics in dress design, from which dressmaking became a successful part of the business.
In January 1918, Omega were commissioned to design sets and costumes in the Israel Zangwill play ‘Too Much Money’.
Closure and Legacy
Omega closed in 1919, and was officially liquidated on 24 July 1920. Media coverage of the workshop had always been mediocre, and it had relied heavily on the patronage of wealthy London society within artistic and literary circles. A series of poor financial decisions and internal conflicts all contributed to its decline. At the time of its closure, Fry was the only remaining original member working regularly at the workshop. Despite this, Omega became influential in interior design in the 1920s.
Edward Wolfe worked at the Omega Workshops, handpainting candle-shades, trays and decorating furniture. Wolfe, who died in 1982, was one of the last of the Bloomsbury painters.
A revival of interest in Omega designs in the 1980s led to a reassessment of the place of the Bloomsbury group in visual arts.
In July 1913 Omega Workshops Ltd opened to the public at 33 Fitzroy Square in the heart of London's Bloomsbury. The workshops incorporated public showrooms as well as studios, and were staffed by a business manager, caretaker and a group of artist assistants. Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry were named as Directors.

Roger Fry founded and was the driving force behind the Omega Workshops. Unlike his most obvious predecessors William Morris and the designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Fry was not concerned with social reform or protesting against contemporary machine manufacture, but wanted to remove what he saw as the false division between the fine and decorative arts. He was keen to see some of the key ideas of Post-Impressionism, such as bright colours and bold, simplified forms, applied to design, as in these candle shades designed by Wyndham Lewis.

Fry also wanted to help his artist friends by providing them with the chance to make a living designing and decorating furniture, textiles and other household accessories, alongside their artistic careers.

Fry felt that objects and furniture should be bought for their aesthetic qualities rather than the reputation of the artist, so he insisted that all work was produced anonymously. Designs were unsigned and marked only with the symbol Ω, the Greek letter 'Omega'. 'Omega' is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, and in the late nineteenth century it was used to mean the 'last word' on a subject.

In The Beginning

2010-11-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Decorative Arts Exhibition
Rook Lane Chapel, Frome
Nov 19 - 3 Dec 2011

Objective: To hold an exhibition of work by various artists and craftsfolk from the Frome area which will reflect the application of design to household (and office) interiors. This would be the first of its kind with further annual exhibitions to promote new work and artists, as well as special features.
Artists will not be restricted in their style, nor choice of object and medium.
The concept of Decorative Arts is to take art, crafts and household items and bring them all together to create added value.

The items could be as wide ranging as:
Wallpaper, Carpeting, Fabrics and soft furnishings, Curtains, Pillows
Tables, Chairs, Magazine racks, Chests, Storage units, Chalkboards
Key holders, Doors, Fireplaces, Laptops, Garage doors, Lamps
Umbrella stands, Crockery, Tableware, Toys etc etc.

A new category would be video projection and electronic media as a new form of decorative art.

Publication and marketing of a book of each exhibiting artist and their work at Blurb.com

Please help to make this a value-added exhibition and one which will help establish Frome as a centre of creative excellence.

Mel Sewell
(In case it isn't obvious I shall be curating, as well as exhibiting)