Key Points:
- The Secret Artist Exhibition was held at the Georgian Hayloft at Rainham Hall on April 28, 2025.
- The exhibition showcased a diverse range of local artists and featured various artistic styles, including oil paintings, woodblock prints, watercolours, and digital photography.
- The exhibition was co-curated by Jude Merritt, Babs Thwaites, and Thomas Lemon, with a focus on local talent from Rainham and the surrounding areas.
- Some of the featured artists included Peter Smith, Tony Gladman, Mary Thomson, Sarah Trew, and Mark Stewart, among others.
- Themes explored in the exhibition included war, death, trauma, nostalgia, childhood, and social alienation.
- The event was praised for its vibrant and thought-provoking artworks, highlighting the creativity within the community.
Discover the vibrant Secret Artist Exhibition at Rainham Hall, showcasing local talent from Rainham artists. Experience diverse art styles and thought-provoking works celebrating community life.
What was the purpose of the Secret Artist Exhibition at Rainham Hall?
The Secret Artist Exhibition aimed to showcase the hidden artistic talent in Rainham and the surrounding areas, providing a platform for local artists to display their work. Held at the beautiful Georgian Hayloft at Rainham Hall, the exhibition celebrated a wide range of artistic styles and themes, creating a cultural highlight in Havering. Co-curated by Jude Merritt, Babs Thwaites, and Thomas Lemon, the event revealed the rich and diverse creative community in Rainham, giving local artists an opportunity to shine.
Who were the artists featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition featured a variety of talented artists, each bringing a unique perspective and style to their works. Notable artists included:
- Peter Smith, whose dynamic oil paintings explored distorted cultural contexts through celebrity portrayals.
- Tony Gladman, who used undulating brushstrokes to evoke the emotional turmoil of World War 1.
- Thomas Lemon, known for his bold geometric woodblock prints exploring colour, shape, and pattern.
- Mary Thomson, who captivated with intricate watercolours like “Crane”, “Dragonfly”, and “Chameleon.”
- Sarah Trew, who showcased playful digital photography, including the lighthearted “Starbar”.
- Marie McGlaughlin, whose city photography at night revealed a hidden spectrum of colours in moonlit London landmarks.
Other artists included Dennis Gibson, Kevin Foster, Vicki Griffith, Babs Thwaites, Stuart Scott, and Coral Jeffery, each contributing with innovative works that spanned a wide variety of mediums and themes.
What themes were explored in the Secret Artist Exhibition?
The exhibition explored a mix of powerful and poignant themes, blending societal issues with personal experiences. Among the most striking themes were:
- War and Trauma: Tony Gladman’s work focused on the emotional impact of World War 1, while Mark Stewart’s piece depicted the stark realities of life on a council estate, highlighting themes of deprivation and social alienation.
- Nostalgia and Childhood: Stuart Scott’s Star Wars figurines captured the whimsical aspects of childhood through action-packed scenes, while Coral Jeffery’s Victorian-style junk journals evoked childhood curiosity and nostalgia.
- Social Alienation and Death: Several artists, including Babs Thwaites and Vicki Griffith, used materials like yarn and repurposed denim to reflect hidden struggles and heartache, while themes of death and loss were explored through various visual narratives.
How was the exhibition received by visitors?
The Secret Artist Exhibition was widely regarded as a success, with visitors praising the diversity and creativity displayed in the artworks. The exhibition provided a rare opportunity to experience the hidden artistic talents of Rainham, and many were impressed by the variety of mediums used. The event not only celebrated local talent but also fostered a sense of community pride in the vibrant art scene within Havering.
What is the future of Rainham’s art scene?
Following the success of the Secret Artist Exhibition, it is evident that the demand for local art in Havering is growing. The event showcased the wealth of talent within the community, and organisers believe this is just the beginning for art in Rainham. With increasing interest in supporting local artists, it is expected that more events and exhibitions will take place, further promoting the area’s rich cultural heritage.
