Honouring our commitment to promote and support artists living and working in the South Downs, we are delighted to announce our newest acquisition into our collections, February (on the way to Petersfield) 2023, by Hampshire-based landscape artist Melanie Rose (b.1964).
Reflecting her interest in the natural environment, February captures the colours of the season and the silhouetted trees that define the landscape of the South Downs, while the expressive painterly marks evoke a sense of movement and immersion in her surroundings.
The painting featured in last year’s South Downs Open at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery and its acquisition serves to highlight our commitment to preserving the county’s artistic legacy. February also acts as a strong visual celebration of the artists who document and capture the outstanding beauty of the Downs.
Originally hailing from Carrickfergus in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Rose has lived in Cheriton since 2000. She first became interested in landscape painting in 2012, when she was invited to display her work in the Landscape, Art, and Uncertainty exhibition held at Southampton City Art Gallery.
Since then, she has devoted herself to exploring a sense of ‘place’ through painting; looking at tracks, paths and ancient monuments, while also investigating contemporary concerns such as land access, biodiversity and stewardship of this historic part of England.
Louise Weller, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery says: “Being able to acquire a piece from the South Downs Open supports our ambition to develop a modern and contemporary art collection that complements our existing Flora Twort Art Collection, which is the largest museum holding of her work. Flora Twort (1893-1985) was an artist who, like Melanie Rose today, continually explored and recorded the unique qualities of her surrounding landscape. Melanie’s painting will be added to our permanent collection alongside a number of recent works gifted to us by the artists, including Gordon Rushmer (b.1946) and Sarah Butterfield (b.1953).”
Dan McWilliam, Director at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery says: “This acquisition strengthens Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery’s role as a champion of regional art and heritage. As our reputation for showcasing the best in modern and contemporary art and craft develops, the formation of a significant art collection that resonates with our core values of history, place, environment and poetry will create a purposeful resource for our community.”
February (on the way to Petersfield) will go on display in the Museum and Art Gallery later in the year.
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