A POPULAR county artist has produced works celebrating some of the women who work or volunteer at Croome as part of the National Trust’s year of ‘Women and Power’.
An exhibition of ten paintings entitled ‘Women of Croome’ by Antony Bridge, Croome’s artist-in-residence, is now on show until the end of the year.
The new exhibition coincides with the National Trust’s year of ‘Women and Power’ programme, celebrating 100 years since some women were given the vote.
All around the country the National Trust is telling the stories of women who played a part in history and are often forgotten. Croome has chosen to look at the past, as well as the present, and this exhibition is a nod to the important work all the women at Croome do.
“Having been the artist in resident at Croome for almost a year now and painting the landscape, I’ve met almost all of the staff and volunteers,” said artist Antony.
“Most of them are women and all radiate such passion for Croome. I wanted to capture the passion and warmth of these women who help to run Croome. The collection will be my first solo portrait show.”
Antony is Croome’s official artist-in-residence and this, his second exhibition at Croome, is of nine female staff and volunteers with visitors having the chance to be the final tenth portrait.
The portraits are displayed in the niches of the Long Gallery in the house where statues of deities of ancient Greek and Roman worlds once stood. Life-size artist mannequins will emulate the poses of these deities each accompanied by a portrait and an object of significance of each person.
“Antony is an exceptional portrait artist and we really wanted to explore this side of his work at Croome,” said Amy Forster-Smith, Croome’s Visitor Experience Manager.
“As we are exploring more women’s stories this year, we thought it was apt that Antony painted women currently working and volunteering at this special place.
“The women featured in the exhibition were both selected and drawn from a ballot so they represent a broad cross-section of roles that women have on site. We’re very excited for the launch as it means so much to many people who love Croome.”
Call 01905 371006 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome for more information.
