Visiting Messums Museum

Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside lies a newly renovated 14th Century monastic barn, Messums Museum. With ancient historical sites such as Stonehenge and Old Wardour Castle, not to mention countless manor houses down the road, it seems natural to focus a vast majority of their exhibitions on elemental materials such as earth, wood, clay and glass.

Two standout exhibits highlighting how clay and wood are used within a contemporary framework with examples from illustrious artists such as Grayson Perry and Edmund de Waal occurred last year. This is now followed by glass and earth in the coming months, which is certainly not to be missed.

Ancient glass techniques can be seen in objects showcased as part of Material Light: Glass running until the 4 February 2018. The exhibition houses the most innovative glass artists across Britain, Europe and America where the intricate, technical and painterly side of glass making is revealed.

Glass as a material has seen a resurgence of late following the huge success od Venice Glass Week - the city’s first international festival solely dedicated to the art of glass.

Material Earth: Myth, Material and Metamorphosis runs from the 10 February until the 2 April 2018 and will feature artists who mould clay to create 3D sculptures linked to myth and metamorphosis. Explore the works of Christie Brown who uses a multi media approach by combining clay, wax, bronze and plaster to form figurines. Beautiful creations by renowned taxidermist Polly Morgan are also on show alongside early ceramic sculptures by Grayson Perry.

All exhibitions run alongside a number of dedicated events for both adults and children. For more information about the gallery, visit www.messumswiltshire.com.