Eden Valley Messenger

EDEN ARTIST’S GUIDED TOUR

EDEN based artist Steve Messam will be leading a walk and talk to his two new temporary installations in Newtown, Powys this weekend.

Leaving from Oriel Davies at 11am on Sunday, December 6 the tour follows the River Severn and old Montgomery Canal to 'Clad' - a 200 year old cottage wrapped in fleece from local sheep breeds. The walk will pass 'Shelter' - the newest piece in the series and finish in a nice warm pub for a pint or two. The walk takes approximately 45 mins each way and is fully accessible. Open to all ages - dogs welcome too!

'Clad' highlights pattern through an investigation and celebration of the cultural and industrial heritage of Newtown and the surrounding area.

With kind permission of the owner, this timber-framed building has been wrapped in 300 Kerry Hill sheep fleeces with detail in Black Welsh Mountain sheep fleece to reference the distinctive black and white markings of these breeds and the colour and design of local vernacular architecture. By drawing together these two aspects of the locality, the artist encourages us to consider the role of local agriculture, architecture and aesthetics within this familiar environment.

This will also be the last opportunity to visit 'Clad' before the installation is dismantled and recycled.

'Shelter' continues the investigation of ornamental pattern within local vernacular architecture. A selection of artificial patterns taken from nearby buildings are replicated on a series of mass-produced bus stops exploring the local vernacular and the growth of anonymity affecting rural market towns.

'Clad' and 'Shelter' form part of the 'Beyond Pattern' exhibition at Oriel Davies. 'Clad' can be seen until December 7. 'Shelter' opens on December 6 and runs until January 27,  2010. Both pieces will be featured in the 'Beyond Pattern' catalogue available from the gallery in January 2010.

These projects have been commissioned by Oriel Davies, Powys, Wales with kind permission from the owners of Port House, British Wool Marketing Board and Powys County Council.