Artist follows in inspiring footsteps for new exhibition at Ryedale Folk Museum
A new exhibition by Simon Crawford has opened this month at Ryedale Folk Museum.
On display until Sunday November 1, Simon Crawford: Shining Lights of the North brings together sketches and paintings inspired by the Cistercian abbeys of Rievaulx, Byland and Fountains.
Jennifer Smith, Director at Ryedale Folk Museum, said: “Simon’s work combines his fascination with landscape, history and artistic tradition in a really thoughtful way.
“These abbeys have captivated artists for generations and it’s very inspiring to see the ways that Simon has returned to them throughout the seasons, paying tribute while responding very much in his own style.”
Over the last 12 months, Simon has made his own ‘artistic pilgrimage’ along the Shining Lights of the North Way, a walking route that connects the three abbeys and follows in the footsteps of the monks who once travelled between these significant religious sites.
“The exhibition has a strong sense of this journey,” added Jennifer, “and of looking closely at places which are both familiar and deeply layered with history.”
Returning to the abbeys through the changing seasons has allowed Simon to explore how light, weather and atmosphere alter the experience of each place. His works also draw on a long tradition of artists who have taken inspired from these landscapes, including JMW Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin.
Simon said: “This exhibition is an exploration of the landscape in front of me, and my own feelings about a place, while being very aware of the ghosts of the artists who came before me.”
Considering both what has changed and what has endured, Simon has produced works that reflect his own experiences, while acknowledging the generations who have passed before him.
“Simon’s work gives visitors the opportunity to look again at these extraordinary places,” said Jennifer.
“The exhibition really connects the present-day landscape with its history and stories across centuries.”
The exhibition is on display in the Art Gallery at Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole, until Sunday November 1.
It is free to visit as it is not within the paid area of the museum.
Museum open daily, except Fridays.