Last year the Rye Art Gallery marked six decades since its founders, Mary and Howard Stormont, held their first exhibition. To continue their legacy, the gallery is holding a Fine Arts Auction and Auction of Promises in the Tudor Room of the The Mermaid on Thursday 28 May from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. All proceeds will benefit the Rye Art Gallery Charitable Trust and will contribute to the conservation and restoration of the gallery, including the Arts and Crafts former home of the Stormonts, and enable the gallery to undertake essential building repairs, upgrade the storage and archive spaces, and preserve the ever-growing permanent collection.
The auction will feature at least 60 artworks, painting, prints, photography, ceramics, including work by John Bellamy, Kitty French, Peter Blake, Mick Rooney RA, Keith Purser, Karl Terry, Claire Mitchell, and Linda McCartney amongst others. Also in the auction are generously donated items and experiences, including a very special private tour of Fairlight Hall and its fascinating art collection, with Sarah Kowitz.
The auctioneer on the evening will be Kevin Wall of Rye Auction Galleries. Tickets are £6.00 to include a complimentary glass of wine, and can be purchased here.
The artworks included will soon be available to view online on the events page of the art gallery website.
The Rye Society of Artists Spring Show continues at the gallery until 3 May. The next exhibition, from 9 May, A Confluence of Elements, explores the landscape of Lossenham in the Kentish countryside, bringing together the work of artist-in-residence Russell Burden and visiting artist Melvyn Evans. Drawing directly from the site’s materials and ancient history, the exhibition reflects a shared response to place, process, and collaboration.
Image Credits: Juliet Duff .