Norfolk & Norwich Art Circle celebrates unique link with Alfred Munnings

A group of Norfolk artists is set to travel to Essex to take part in a unique exhibition at The Munnings Art Museum.

Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle, which was established in 1885, boasts Sir Alfred Munnings as one of its former members.

Now, the group is heading to the museum to host their second exhibition at the venue dedicated to the artist and his work.

The group, which today has more than 200 professional and amateur members, will display a range of artworks in various mediums – including painting, 3D and sculpture – and on various subjects.

Jenny Hand, director of The Munnings Art Museum, said: “As always, we are delighted to be working with the Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle and hosting their exhibition for a second year is a joy.

“We feel keenly the artistic connection between centuries which links the young Alfred Munnings, who exhibited with the Circle from the age of 19, and the work of today’s members. We hope that people will come and enjoy the art on display in the lovely setting of the museum garden.”

The Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle began as the Norwich Art Circle in 1885, following Crome & Cotman’s famous Norwich Society of Artists.

Hazel Pidsley, Chairman of Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle, said: “We are thrilled to be mounting our second exhibition at The Munnings Art Museum and at the home of one of our former members Sir Alfred Munnings RA.

“Our members have submitted work that has been selected for the exhibition by a panel, to ensure that the art presented is to the highest standard.

“We do hope that restrictions will have been removed by the start of the exhibition so everyone will be free to enjoy spending time viewing the artwork.

“Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle are indebted to the support and enthusiasm that has been given by Jenny Hand and the trustees of The Munnings Art Museum and I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the beautiful grounds and surroundings of the Museum.”

The exhibition will be staged in a marquee in the grounds of the museum with all artworks for sale.

It will be open between Wednesday 28th July and Sunday 2nd August 2022 at The Munnings Art Museum, Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6AZ.

The exhibition is open from 10am until 5pm each day.

During the course of the exhibition, artists will be ‘painting out’ in the grounds of the Museum and people are welcome to join in or watch.

On Saturday 1st August well-known artist Graham Webber will be giving a demonstration in oils from 2pm.

Members of Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle will be providing limited refreshments to visitors throughout the week.

Entrance to the exhibition is free and entrance to the Museum, which offers changing displays from its significant collection of life’s works by Sir Alfred Munnings, is by pre-booked ticket only.

Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle welcome new members who are artists or interested in art. For more information please contact Hazel Pidsley via [email protected] or visit www.nnartcircle.com

About Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle

In 2021 Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle (NNAC) celebrates 136 years as an organisation.

The Circle began as the Norwich Art Circle in 1885, following Crome & Cotman’s famous Norwich Society of Artists.

It acquired its full title about forty years later when it merged with the Woodpeckers Art Club, presided over by Nugent Monck. After this, its members increased dramatically. The NNAC has included in its membership artists of national and international acclaim such as Arnesby Brown, Alfred Munnings, Jeffery Camp, Michael Andrews, Bernard Meadows, Edward Seago, Bernard Reynolds and Ian Houston.

The Circle is open to anyone over the age of 17, who is interested in the practice or appreciation of the visual arts and who has connections with East Anglia. Many members have had formal art training, others pursue drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture as a pastime. Others simply enjoy learning more about the subject they have always loved. This wide intake leads to a lively exchange of ideas and techniques, providing influences of mutual benefit.

The Circle is run by a Council democratically elected at its Annual General Meeting. The Council organises the yearly programme, and selects the work for the members’ exhibitions. Each year, one third of the Council retires, and a new Chairman is elected. In this way, every member helps to steer the future of the group.

NNAC is proud of its achievements and its democratic system which has served it well for over one hundred years.