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THE CITY
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BRISTOL Meet Sarah Brown, Director of Clifton Contemporary Art
Bouncing back After 28 years, Bristol Cultural Development Partnership has officially changed its name to Bristol Ideas. The news comes with the launch of two new citywide projects – Film 2021 and a series on the future of democracy and freedom of expression. The projects are set to run alongside Bristol Ideas’ much-loved festivals – Festival of Ideas, Festival of Economics and Festival of the Future City. Film 2021 is a year-long programme of activity, celebrating the many aspects of Bristol’s film and moving image credentials. Launched by Bristol Ideas and Bristol City of Film, the project is supported by Bristol’s film studios, cinemas, filmmakers and festivals. Marking the centenary of the death of Bristolian inventor William Friese-Greene (1844-1921), a pioneer of early motion pictures, Film 2021 will include film screenings across the city, walking tours exploring cinema buildings, photography exhibitions, talks and panel discussions, and the launch of a special publication recounting the public’s memories of cinema-going throughout the past century. Andrew Kelly, Director of Bristol Ideas, says: “For a long time, William FrieseGreene’s contribution to film had been downgraded and dismissed. The centenary of his death seems the perfect time to reassess his considerable achievements as new scholarship has revealed new material and Friese-Greene is now increasingly recognised as one of the pioneers of British cinema and a major figure in the early development of moving pictures.” The new series on the future of democracy and freedom of expression is also set to run as part of the Festival of Ideas programme. It will include sessions on new thinking, citizens’ assemblies, the future of liberalism and conservatism, women and freedom of speech, how to deal with strongmen leaders and will debate with the candidates for both the city and WECA mayor.
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APRIL 2021
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No 197
“The creativity that co-exists in Bristol is striking.”
I have been an exhibiting landscape painter for many years but have also worked in design, retail and gallery management since leaving Bath Academy of Art. An ideal combination when the opportunity came to open my own art gallery, which had always been a dream. The shows at the gallery have all been so different and exciting in their own ways. Curating Singing Colour in 2019 was a high point, hosting work by greats such as Patrick Heron, Sir Terry Frost and Dame Barbara Hepworth. But perhaps most enjoyable are the shows with our gallery artists, as I love visiting their studios and making plans together.
glamour and go for a gilding by Secessionist artist, Gustav Klimt. He is one of my favourite artists and the ‘golden phase’ portraits are some of his most iconic pieces.
My most memorable moment at Clifton Contemporary Art was having the gallery chosen as a film location: not once but twice. Firstly for the ITV series, Unforgotten and secondly, as the venue for a glamorous 1960’s private view in the BBC drama, The Trial of Christine Keeler.
We have been so lucky having the Downs to enjoy during lockdown, with a take-out coffee. But I can’t wait for things to open again so I can swap the take-out for a sunny table at Bar Chocolat and a catch up with my Clifton neighbours. This will be closely followed by a visit to the Lido and then down to Mud Dock.
The creativity that co-exists in Bristol is striking. The city is the home of street art as much as it is a hub for musicians and landscape painters. There seems to be a determination here amongst artists of all kinds to create something distinctive and unique.
At the moment I'm reading English Pastoral by James Rebank, a beautifully written account of his farming heritage in the Lake District, but I've also revisited books by classic children's author, Penelope Lively. As for watching, I'd thoroughly recommend the chilling series The Terror, with the key character played by Jared Harris. I'm lucky to live with an avid music lover, so listening has included everything from analogue synths to Pharoah Sanders.
Lockdown has given me an opportunity to spend more time on my own work but I have missed the day-to-day life at Clifton Contemporary Art. Our website has worked hard and helped make some good sales, but nothing replaces an open, lively gallery. If I could take home any of the paintings from our last exhibition, Closer to Home, I would have taken home Towards the Gorge by Elaine Jones. It is an atmospheric oil painting that perfectly captures the essence of this special place without being proscriptive or too detailed. However, it was snapped up before the exhibition started! If I could have any artists living or dead to paint my portrait, I would take this opportunity to indulge in some fin de siècle
• bristolideas.co.uk
10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
My family moved here from London during the 1960s so Bristol is where I was brought up. With all the advantages of a city and its proximity to wilder places, Bristol is a very difficult place to leave and I am pleased to call it my home.
Being a keen birder, I've really enjoyed having more time to observe the local characters. We are treated to a daily flypast by our resident hungry sparrow hawk. For our opening in April we’re featuring Salcombe Scene by Rose Hilton: it’s a rare chance to enjoy this renowned Cornish artist’s work up close. During May, we have new collections by many of our artists including contemporary British landscape painter, Hannah Woodman. For high summer we have a Sally Stafford show of meadow paintings. Also planned is an exhibition of work by Andrew Bird. An exciting year ahead…
