Wolverhampton Art gallery takes you to the sea - virtually

Wolverhampton Art Gallery has used its collections to create a digital exhibition while closed during lockdown.

To the Sea, inspired by travel, showcases a selection of paintings and seascapes, including works by Edwin Butler Bayliss and Bilston-born painter William Harold Dudley that will help you escape to the coast – virtually.

Dudley’s art developed at a time when the influence of French Impressionism, the Newlyn School of artists, and the plein air technique of working outside drew many painters to the ocean. He made regular visits to Polperro, Cornwall; depicting the village and coastline in a celebrated series that formed part of the original collection at Bilston Gallery. Previously exhibited in Under Open Skies: The Life and Art of William Harold Dudley 1890-1949, this display showcases Dudley’s art once more, alongside rarely-seen works from Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s permanent collection.

Also, on display are oils and sketches from Bayliss that reveal an alternative side to “Poet Painter of the Black Country”, as well as maritime studies by the renowned Cornish painter Alfred Wallis and Vorticist artist Edward Wadsworth.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Harman Banger, said: “We understand that art is an escape for most so I am glad to see that we are working in a new way to ensure our collection is still reaching those who have an interest in art.

“We recognise our visitors are missing our cultural venues but we hope that through our digital platforms we can still inspire people and make art accessible.

“Over recent months many of us have had to change our holiday plans, so we hope this selection of artwork will help people escape to the coast – virtually at least.”

To view the collection visit www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/tothesea.

Image Caption: The Sea, Edwin Butler Bayliss (1874 – 1950) c. 1900 – 45 Oil on board