current exhibitions | 2022
LOWER OTTER RESTORATION PROJECT (LORP)Major landscaping works that began in 2020 in the Lower Otter Valley have already transformed the tranquil water meadows loved by locals and visitors alike. Before long the old embankments will be breached and the sea will inundate the flood plain at high tide, creating a new salt-marsh habitat. LORP has divided local opinion but its instigators say more flooding was inevitable as sea levels rise, and preempting an uncontrolled breach is best for nature in the long term and will pioneer similar projects on both sides of the channel. Our exhibition examines the many facets of this story and is set to run for two years at least, as LORP comes to fruition. Picture above: John Swete's 1795 watercolour entitled 'The Mouth of the Otter' shows the estuary before the embankment was built in 1814. FASHION IN THE FIFTIESThe 2022 costume exhibition in Fairlynch's Joy Gawne room captures the optimism of the New Elizabethan Age in the early 1950s. When Queen Elizabeth came to the throne war had been over for seven years and rationing was coming to an end. The 'New Look' had been seen on Paris catwalks and British women wore colourful Manchester cotton frocks at home and on their beach holidays in this country. The atmosphere of celebration is summed up in our street party scene, as we hope the Platinum, 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession will be. |
ROYAL JUBILEES IN THE
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