On seeing Will Shakspeare’s new exhibition space in his former Taunton glass studio, Geoffrey Bertram of Bertram Arts was inspired to suggest an exhibition of original Modern and Contemporary British prints be held there, accompanied by specially selected pieces of Will’s glass.
With over 30 years in the art world gained from managing art galleries in Edinburgh, Toronto and London, Geoffrey Bertram explains:
“I’ve been involved with Somerset art and artists since moving here from London in 2005 and have been collecting prints for a number of years before that. But this is the first occasion that I have been able to showcase so many renowned British artists to a Somerset audience.
The collection, all available for sale, ranges from an early landscape print by D.Y. Cameron, to abstract works by William Gear and John Hoyland; to reclining figures by Henry Moore; and to recent prints by Barbara Rae and Eileen Cooper.
Both Geoffrey Bertram and Will Shakspeare worked together to select glass pieces from Shakspeare’s wide range to complement the print collection.
Well-known local artist and glass maker Will Shakspeare shows his work all over the country and has recently expanded by taking on additional premises.
“We’re delighted Geoffrey approached us with this exhibition idea a few months ago,” explains Will: “Since moving our ‘glass blowing’ studio to Langport last year, we have turned the Taunton space into a larger gallery where we show my recent work, pieces by other selected British makers, including some of my students, and glass and silver jewellery. But this is the first curated exhibition we have put on. Hopefully we’ll be able to show other special exhibitions like this one in the future.”
The exhibition runs from 25 October – 24 November, 2014 at Shakspeare Glass and Gallery, Riverside Place, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1JJ. Opening hours are Monday to Friday: 10:00-17:00; Saturday: 9:00-17:00.