The UK’s largest ever art exhibition dedicated to the Somerset and Dorset Railway is set be staged in Burnham-On-Sea next month to mark the 50th year since the rail line closed.
West Country railway artist Alan Ward is organising the exhibition from 1st – 6th March at Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre in Berrow Road from 10am-4pm daily.
Alan has scoured the country to gather original works from patrons and private collectors of his paintings over the many years.
Added to which will be a sparkling array of new original oil paintings and sketches amounting to over 100 works produced especially for this one-off event, many of which will be for sale.
Also displayed will be a comprehensive collection of limited edition Somerset & Dorset fine art prints, both framed and unframed.
“Burnham is a fitting choice for the exhibition, since it was the terminus for the Evercreech Junction/Glastonbury branch of the line,” says Alan.
“Notable paintings on show will include the ‘Last Pines’ depicting the preparation of the 9F 2-10-0 EVENING STAR for the last ever run on S&D metals to Bournemouth prior to re-routing the service in 1962.”
“Another painting of note will be ‘Requiem for the Somerset and Dorset’ portraying Southern Pacific Battle of Britain locomotive ‘Biggin Hill and West Country light pacific ‘BUDE passing over Midford Viaduct on the final run south on the weekend of closure in March 1966.”
“It is hoped that related societies will have a presence at the show, together with other attractions and displays of ‘0’ Gauge locomotives working the line at the time together with CD presentations of the railway and it infrastructure.”
Admission will be free and souvenir brochures and catalogue of works will be on sale.
