Dartmoor landscapes inspire new exhibition raising funds for local charity
Eight artists are showcasing work inspired by Dartmoor and the South Devon coast at The Brownston Gallery, which is collecting visitor donations for Dartmoor Futures
A new art exhibition celebrating Dartmoor and the South Devon coast is raising money for a charity working to support the moor’s long-term future.
Moor to Sea opened at The Brownston Gallery in Modbury on Saturday, 17 October, bringing together work by eight artists inspired by Dartmoor’s landscapes, wildlife and surrounding coastline.
Moor to Sea runs until 19 December, and features paintings and other artwork depicting the area’s granite tors, wooded valleys, streams and open moorland, alongside familiar beaches and coastal landmarks.
The Brownston Gallery is collecting donations from visitors throughout the exhibition in support of Dartmoor Futures, a charity working with communities and partners to improve the long-term health and resilience of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Futures’ work includes collaborating with Dartmoor National Park Authority, South West Water and the Duchy of Cornwall to build a shared understanding of the areas where the moor is thriving and where it is vulnerable.
It also explores ways to support community energy projects and improve sections of the Two Moors Way.
Aimie Freeston, owner of The Brownston Gallery and curator of the exhibition, said the idea came from one of the artists, Karen Popham, who lives in Buckfastleigh.
“Living so close to such a special and beautiful place, dedicating an exhibition to Dartmoor made perfect sense,” she said.
“We have some lovely paintings on display that highlight how very special it is.”
The eight artists taking part are Andrew Miller, Emma Carter Bromfield, Emma Lamb, Karen Popham, Michael Hill, Kate Aggett, Yvonne Coomber and James Tatum.
A spokesperson for Moor to Sea told The Moorlander that several of the exhibiting artists have strong personal connections to Dartmoor.
“Emma Carter Bromfield painted her pieces while living in a yurt on the moor,” they said.
“Karen Popham lives in Buckfastleigh and finds Dartmoor a continual source of inspiration, while James Tatum lived on the moor before moving to Exeter and still returns to paint.
"Andrew Miller, who lives in Dartington, also spends a lot of time on the moor.”
The exhibition includes work by award-winning eco-artist Emma Lamb, who uses handmade paper to create original three-dimensional pieces highlighting environmental challenges facing the moor.
Artist Kate Aggett is known for atmospheric landscape collages, while Yvonne Coomber, recognised for her brightly coloured floral paintings, is showing a collection of landscapes.
The exhibition opened with a private view on Friday, 16 October, featuring poetry readings by members of the Devon Poetry Club and a talk by Claire Honey, chief operating officer of Dartmoor Futures.
Ms Honey said the charity valued support that connected people who cared about Dartmoor with efforts to protect its future.
“Dartmoor means something different to everyone who knows it and its future should be shaped by many people, not decided for them,” she said.
“It’s not just the money raised, it’s a gallery choosing to connect the people who love Dartmoor with the work of looking after its future.”
Moor to Sea is on display at The Brownston Gallery in Modbury until Saturday, 19 December.