Image: The Great Yarmouth branch of Debenhams following its closure, before PRIMEYARC took over the space © originalprojects;/Twitter
Today sees the National Gallery’s newest touring exhibition, Jan van Huysum Visits, go on display at a community arts space – formerly a branch of Debenhams – in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth.
National Gallery says engagement with local communities is key to the initiative, with PRIMEYARC arts hub chosen as the first port of call for the nationwide touring project due to its place at the heart of the Market Gates Shopping Centre.
The arrival in Norfolk of Jan Van Huysum’s Flowers in a Terracotta Vase (1736–7) coincides with a collaborative community project, Yarmouth Springs Eternal, which is running between 19th May and 20th June. This programme showcases work by professional artists alongside pieces created with local residents.
https://museumsandheritage.com/news/national-gallery-initiative-will-see-dutch-masterpiece-pop-up-in-six-uk-regions-this-summer/
Jan van Huysum Visits will be in Great Yarmouth until the end of this week, before heading off to the next stop on its six-part journey across the UK this summer.
Remaining surprise locations on the tour will be situated in Cornwall, the East Midlands, South Yorkshire, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Gabriele Finaldi, says he hopes the touring show will “make people think about art and the beauty of nature, encourage their own creativity and inspire them to visit their own local museum or art collection”.