Rarely-seen artwork and artefacts will be on display at the ever-popular Mayor's Choice exhibition at City Space in Winchester Discovery Centre from Saturday 16 January. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to see artwork and objects from the City and County museum collections, now cared for by Hampshire Cultural Trust and not usually on public display.
This year the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Angela Clear, has selected a range of paintings textiles and artefacts, many of which illustrate the history of her local area of Wickham. The Mayor's personal interest in the early 20th century art deco style is also represented by several pieces by the renowned ceramics designer Clarice Cliff.
The Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Angela Clear, said:
"The work on display is my personal choice, incorporating exhibits from Winchester and the district past and present. They include artwork illustrating local views and subjects over many years and showcase some of the wealth of our museums' collections."
One of the fascinating objects featured in this exhibition is a rare survival from the late 18th century - a wooden carved overmantle depicting the coat of arms of the City of Winchester. It is thought this recently acquired piece was originally in the Mayor's official residence in Winchester, Abbey House, when it was the home of the Recorder of Winchester in the mid 1700s.
Mayor's Choice is a free family friendly exhibition and includes quizzes and colouring in activities. There will also be a make and take workshop between 10am and 4pm on 16 February at the Discovery Centre where visitors can drop in and create their very own Clarice Cliff paper plate design. This event is free and suitable for age 7+ but an adult should accompany all children taking part.
The exhibition closes on 21 February.
