John Constable’s The Cornfield, one of the most beloved paintings from the National Gallery’s London collection, was unveiled today to passing visitors in Newport.
The painting, which has come to Newport as part of the bi-annual Visits programme, will be here until 11th June.
Forms part of the Shaping Newport initiative
Hosted by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council in their new premises at 64 High Street (daily between 9am to 5pm), the town is the first stop on the painting’s tour, which will continue until mid-July.
The visit also forms part of the Shaping Newport initiative’s regeneration aims to use innovative ways to attract more footfall to the High Street.
Hard at work behind the scenes
Ahead of The Cornfield arriving, groups from the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Services, Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone and Independent Arts were hard at work behind the scenes, finding the right location for the painting to be displayed and setting up a programme of coordinating events, including school visits, creative workshops, singing sessions and wellbeing gatherings.
Workshops and activities
Previous Visits tours have not only introduced thousands of people to the National Gallery, but have also provided the opportunity to engage with and benefit from culture in their local areas in the longer term.
Workshops and activities delivered in partnership with local museums and galleries helped them grow their own audiences in turn.
Finaldi: An exciting way for us to connect with new partners
Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said,
“Running the Visits tour is a highlight for us at the Gallery. It is an exciting way for us to connect with new partners all over the UK.
“Through our collection, we want to enrich lives by connecting art, people and ideas across centuries, countries, and cultures.”
Smout: An amazing opportunity
Richard Smout, the head of the Island’s Heritage Service said,
“We are so grateful to the National Gallery for bringing this beautiful painting to the Island.
“This is an amazing opportunity to spend time with one of Constable’s masterpieces in our community. We also look forward to sharing it with some of our schoolchildren while it’s here.”
Jones-Evans: What a way to start the week
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, cabinet member for Levelling Up, Regeneration, Business Development and Tourism said,
“Taking important pieces from the National Gallery collection around the country is an inspired project.
“For those of us living on an island, access to culture can be very limited because of logistics and the high cost. I’m so pleased that Newport has been chosen and the wraparound of workshops with young people makes a bigger impact and lasting impression.
“On Thursday I am taking the Island’s Cultural Strategy to Cabinet so what a way to start the week!”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © John Constable ‘The Cornfield’ 1826 Oil on canvas © The National Gallery, London
