Dip your toe in to an Art Exhibition inspired by

Glorious, leafy Barnes is, effectively, a peninsular surrounded by water. Barnes Artists in partnership with Friends of Barnes Common have come up with an inspiring and topical theme for this summer’s art show that celebrates the beauty of water, its surroundings of flora, fauna, wildlife and human life it supports.

‘Living with Water’ features local artists, photographers, Picassos in the Park and two established international contemporary artists – Bruce Maclean will be exhibiting artworks directly linked to Beverley Brook and Saatchi Gallery artist Zac Greening will be showing his recent works inspired by sustainability of water.

The exhibition is sponsored by Laurent Residential.

We cannot live without water in the right place, in the right quantity, of the right quality. Water is inspirational, the source of much pleasure, creativity and wellbeing. The river Thames, Beverley Brook, Leg O’ Mutton Reservoir, The Wetlands and Barnes Pond are all integral water features of Barnes and have inspired many artists over the years including master landscape artist J.M.W Turner, who visited Barnes in 1827 and painted the river at the junction at Mortlake. 

Multi Award winning Friends of Barnes Common (Queens Award, Common of the Year and London in Bloom) are partners with Richmond Council and WWT in a major six-year programme for innovative flood resilience – looking at ways to engage the whole community in reducing the risks and damage that flooding causes; in particular by using nature-based solutions which will improve biodiversity, wellbeing and learning, whilst at the same time improving flood resilience.

"Throughout history" says Mike Hildesley, Chair of FoBC "Humans have had to learn to live in harmony with Nature and Water - now it is as crucial as ever as we face Climate Change. We are delighted to see our artists are as interested as we are in preserving the wildlife within our ponds and streams as well as everything dependent on water."

Barnes Artists was set up four years ago as a collective of local artists who work as a team to set up events, shows and develop partnerships with local retail and businesses to help promote community projects as well as their own work. Last summer we organised a well-received art show inspired by the conservation work of Friends of Barnes Common during lockdown. We sold over £10k of artwork, raising money for both St Marys and Friends of Barnes Common. Awards were presented by local art galleries for best in show.

“We are delighted to be collaborating again with FoBC and St Mary’s", says Co-Founder of Barnes Artists Katie James "like our local artists they work so hard to make Barnes a wonderful community to live in”.