Victorian Views of Shropshire art exhibition

Victorian Views of Shropshire is an exhibition of images from the watercolour collections of Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives, showcasing the work of a wide range of artists who have been inspired by the landscape and architecture of the county – as well as celebrating today’s children’s skills in painting, drawing and design.

Part of the Shropshire Olympian Festival (17-19 June) this exhibition, to be opened on Friday 17 June at Theatre Severn and The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, highlights the importance of the arts in William Penny Brookes’ founding vision.

The Victorian Views exhibition runs until 11 September.

In the run up to the festival Shropshire children have entered arts competitions in a number of categories, including painting and drawing. The gold medal winners will be on show as part of the exhibition at Theatre Severn. More of the children’s entries, along with further Victorian Views of Shropshire, can also be seen in a virtual exhibition at the Old Market Hall in The Square.

A photographic exhibition of images from the 2011 Shropshire Olympian Festival weekend will also be on display in the Chapel Bar, Theatre Severn, from 4 July.

Shropshire Council was awarded funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council England to help celebrate the county’s important role as a stepping stone from William Penny Brookes’ pioneering Olympian Games in Much Wenlock towards London 2012.