Top gong for Shropshire sculptor

Her work graces galleries and museums from Gateshead to Mumbai, the Queen of Jordan is an admirer. Shire celebrates Halima Cassell MBE as the sculptor is recognised for her services to Art

Shropshire sculptor Halima

Cassell was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for ‘Services to Art and Cultural Heritage’, but due to Covid restrictions the ceremony was delayed until 2022. Halima finally collected her award from Buckingham Palace in October, and could not be more delighted.

“Visual arts is so needed in our lives, from interaction with beautiful architecture and objects to exploring our own creativity,” she said. “In so many schools the development of art in children has been taken out, and I think it must be seen as an important part the attention that it deserves.”

Halima is a British sculptor and ceramicist working in bronze, ceramics, glass, stone and wood, though she has been known to use other materials such as wallpaper. She was born in Pakistan and brought up in Lancashire, and now lives in Shropshire.

Fusing her Asian roots with a fascination for African pattern work and a deep passion for architectural geometry, her work is intense and compelling in its originality.

Halima has had many commissions from museums and public spaces, including cruise lines and ships. She says it’s exciting as you know it’s going to be something that the public can see every day for years to come. But she also has had some interesting private commissions, one of which was a huge piece for the Queen of Jordan.

“I have been working so hard for 25 years, and have an extensive portfolio of collections and commissions around the world,” she said.

Coronation Photography Workshop, Severn Valley Railway. 7th May.

Severn Valley Railway teams up with Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography for a truly unique workshop to capture the atmosphere of the railway as it celebrates the crowning ceremony of our new King. Expect flags, bunting, plenty of trains and some unique photo opps. In addition to photographing the full-scale railway in all its glory, you will also get the chance to shoot some high-quality model railways in The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley.

Richard Gant: ‘Celfalea’, Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy. Until 27th May.

Former head of Fine Art at Liverpool School of Art, Dr Richard Gant describes himself as sculptor/ drawer and contextual researcher.

“My current work focuses on coastal geology, exploring and incorporating structure, colour and tonal palettes from sediments and outcrops into drawing compositions and maquettes.” of supporting a child’s creativity and wellbeing. I feel so honoured to help in some small way to give visual arts

This eclectic retrospective celebrates Gant’s development as an artist and academic over a 50-year period.

“Every new piece I do reveals something new out of a block of stone or clay or wood. It’s such an honour that my work is being seen and rewarded at this level. I don’t know which organisations nominated me, but I’m so grateful. I suppose that will always keep me guessing.”

For details of current exhibitions and information on commissions see www.halimacassell.com memorable time. Come learn, be creative, take in the beautiful surroundings and nature. Our courses are suitable for beginner and intermediate learners. Here is some feedback we were delighted to receive:

“The beautiful surroundings and welcoming attitude of both Catherine and Jenny made my recent visit [for a brush-making course] a real treat! Courses are delivered in a dedicated space inside a historic stone building adjacent to their own home, reached via a gentle wander through the incredible garden, complete with flowing river at the bottom. Idyllic and perfect for re-setting. An honest 5-star review from a very difficult-to-please guest! Highly recommended for those who want to escape the real world for a little while.” www.flossieandtwts.com/workshops

‘Apollo Remastered’, Williamson Art Gallery, Wirral. Until September. The original NASA photographic film from the Apollo missions is some of the most important and valuable film in existence. It is securely stored in a frozen vault at Johnson Space Center, Houston. It never leaves the building – in fact, the film rarely leaves the freezer. The images it contains include the most significant moments in our history, as humankind left the confines of our home planet for the first time and set foot on another world.

For half a century, almost every image of the Moon landings publicly available was produced from a lowerquality copy of these originals. Until now…