Copper and wool exhibition marks Fen Ditton Gallery’s anniversary

Fen Ditton Gallery is making its seventh birthday with an exhibition inspired by the materials associated with a seven-year anniversary – copper and wool.

Since opening in May 2018, Fen Ditton Gallery has become known for its varied programme, championing artists and makers through thoughtfully-curated exhibitions, collaborative events and artist residencies.

An independent gallery, run by mother and daughter team, Lotte Attwood and Hannah Munby – both photographers by trade – the gallery seeks to offer a welcoming domestic environment for artists and collectors (the gallery is housed within Lotte’s own home).

Exhibitions are not constrained to a format or medium; the programme develops organically to demonstrate and connect the stories and values of the gallery to visitors.

This exhibition will bring together a collection of artists who, in different ways, explore the materiality of copper and wool in their practice, and continues the gallery’s vision, which is to showcase the ideas and creativity of contemporary artists.

Often dismissed as a utilitarian material, copper will be front and centre, with sculptures by Royal Academician Nigel Hall and formed and electrocrystalised vessels by coppersmith, Willow Bloomfield.

Painters Felix Higham and Agnes Treherne have new works in copper, and Euan Evans will be returning to his Cornish heritage, combining copper with sculptural printmaking, alongside Sarah Gillespie’s extraordinary copper-plate mezzotint etchings.

The gallery is also showing, once again, the master-etchings of the late Norman Ackroyd.

Copper glazes will be present through new works by renowned ceramic artist Jill Fanshawe Kato, first exhibited at Fen Ditton Gallery in Birds in June 2019, and Cambridge potter David Stonehouse.

Fine ikat weaving and textiles will be highlighted with the work of young contemporary ikat weaver, Jacob Monk, and sculptural constructed textile artist Dr Hannah White.

The exhibition will also include a number of works from artist, collector and friend of the gallery, Jenny Crouch, who passed away last year.

Creating landscape images with wool found from the sheep grazing fences in the Shetlands, the organisers are honoured to be working with Jenny’s family to exhibit these works, which speak both of the materiality and sustainability of the gallery’s mission.

Hannah Munby said: “This is a very special exhibition as it marks the seventh anniversary of our opening!

“We have brought together a group of artists and makers who represent the past, present and future of the gallery, including Cambridge-born emerging artist Felix Higham.

“We're also particularly excited to be exhibiting the work of young coppersmith Willow Bloomfield.

“Coppersmithing is an endangered craft and their work combines art and science which we think will be interesting for the Cambridge crowd.”

The exhibition is on now and runs until Sunday, 22 June. It is open at weekends, from 10am-5pm, and at other times by appointment – contact [email protected] to book.

View the exhibition online at fendittongallery.com.