Norman Ackroyd CBE RA, travels with copper and wax is the latest exhibition on display at Richmond gallery space, One paved court, displaying a fascinating range of Ackroyd’s early and most recent works incorporating watercolor and etching. The intimate gallery space perfectly marries together the artists travels from around the United Kingdom. From the rural English countryside to the harsh coastlines of the Scottish Highlands, the space allows the audience to get up close and personal to the works meaning we are fully immersed in the intricate techniques employed by the artist. Techniques that have been used for many centuries which emphasise the timelessness of the etchings. The connection that is created between artist and audience is almost heartwarming and for a time we almost forget we are in the city and not relaxing in select pockets of beautiful countryside. Stepping into the gallery space almost immediately feels like an embrace, the hustle, and bustle of a busy fast pace lifestyle slowly melt away and the lament of being stuck in the urban-rural limbo, and perhaps not appreciating the countryside is fully erased. Most importantly the map which pinpoints the locations of Ackroyd’s works cleverly unites all the works in the gallery space while involving the audience, reminiscing perhaps about having visited the places displayed. The clever geographical display of the works means that there is no rigid structure to how the audience move around, and the space benefits from this to create a very intimate experience for the audience. It is fair to say that in a time where we are surrounded by the pressures of contemporary art, the timeless will always find its place, maybe not to ask questions or to provide challenges but to be admired for its techniques and beauty.
