Making a Splash: A Reflected World

- From the roof of the Savoy to the banks of Windsor-

2 March 2011: Second Sight on the River, a new exhibition at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames, explores the river from commanding heights and unique perspectives. Dedicated to his vision of the Thames as a reflected world, West London based artist Richard Colson creates vibrant canvasses that evoke atmosphere and the immediacy of movement. This exhibition joins two other river-themed exhibitions at the museum: Escaping the City and Port Henley.

Second Sight on the River runs from 2 April until 30 May 2011. Richard Colson will be holding a workshop “Making a Splash” on 16 April at the  Museum. Using watercolour techniques, participants will learn how to create ripple effects and collaborate to form a unique, large-scale artwork. All are welcome. Booking is essential.

Richard Colson is a contemporary artist whose work has been exhibited in over 30 galleries and is in the Palace of Westminster. Inspired by the Impressionists’ technique of painting water, Colson’ artwork reflects the dynamism of the river in the backdrop of the City’s changing landscape. His determination to paint the river from new vantage points has led him to gain access to some of Britain’s most famous landmarks including the roof of the Savoy Hotel, Somerset House and the Headquarters of Royal Dutch Shell. From braving extreme weather conditions to dizzying heights from the roof of Millbank Tower, Colson has been unrelenting in his pursuit to capture fleeting fragments of life reflected in the water’s surface.

The exhibition links two other exhibitions at the River & Rowing Museum, Escaping the City and Port Henley, which reveal the importance of the Thames from the Victorian era up to the present day. Escaping the City features one of James Tissot’s most famous works, ‘On the Thames’ (1876), presenting the river as a means of escape from the pollution, chaos and smog of industrial London.

Richard Colson, artist said: “I am very exciting to be holding my first exhibition and workshop at the River & Rowing Museum. “The river has been such an inspiring subject throughout my career as a painter. Each tiny variation of light and atmosphere changes its surface so dramatically. The difficulty of sketching outdoors and developing work in the studio remains my greatest practical challenge, particularly when conveying the immediacy of movement. ”

Paul Mainds, Trustee and Chief Executive, River & Rowing Museum said: “The exhibition links Escaping the City and Port Henley in a dynamic presentation of one of the Museum’s foremost themes – The River Thames. Colson’s natural eye for composition, skilfully captured light-play and masterly handling of the paint all add up to a vivid, engaging portrayal of the river. We are delighted that Colson will also be running a watercolour workshop, Making a Splash, at a time when traditional preconceptions of watercolour are being challenged.”

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Press information
Rohini Bajekal 0207 221 7883 rohini.bajekal@kallaway.com
Catherine Yoxall 01491 415642 catherine.yoxall@rrm.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Richard Colson
Richard Colson started painting at Oundle School where a large crucifixion (15”) he painted was used in the chapel in Lent Week one year during his time at school. He graduated with a first class degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths’ College. He was awarded the Daler Rowney Prize at the London Group Exhibition at the Barbican in 1992. Colson has recently completed a commission to provide two large paintings of the Palace of Westminster for the main reception room of Poundisford Park, an Elizabethan Manor house near Taunton.

The River & Rowing Museum (rrm.co.uk)

The River & Rowing Museum, an independent charity, is one of the UK’s leading regional and sporting Museums, attracting over 100,000 visitors a year. The Museum also has a purpose built education centre visited by over 20,000 children and adults a year. The Museum provides superb value for money. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for children and provide free access for one year. The Museum celebrates four themes explored through a wide variety of exhibitions and events across four galleries and special exhibitions:

• The past, present and future of the River Thames
• The historic riverside community of Henley on Thames
• The international sport of rowing
• The Wind in the Willows
  

• The River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF. Tel. 01491 415600.
• The Museum, terrace café and shop are open every day from 10am - 5.30pm in summer and 10am - 5pm in the winter
• Tickets give FREE admission for a whole year!
• Admission is just £8 for adults, £6 for children aged four and over, FREE for children aged three and under and £6 for senior citizens and concessions
• Free parking for visitors
  

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