CITYIST

THE CITYist

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.

My BRISTOL

Meet Sarah Brown, Director of Clifton Contemporary Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“The creativity that co-exists in Bristol is striking.”

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.

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.

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.

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…

Remembering Diana Porter

Diana Porter, award winning jewellery designer and champion of women’s rights, has died, aged 78.

A prolific creative mind, she was not only renowned for her innovative design but creating work with integrity and honesty. She fought tirelessly to raise awareness and promote gender equality and became a leading light for women within the jewellery industry. In 1990, Diana went to the University of Central England at the age of 47 to do a three-year full-time degree course in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Diana focused her time at college on inequality within the arts. She researched ancient images of strong women and her stylised women pendants, which she called Sibyls developed from this. Her degree work was about women and empowerment and she designed the Sibyls with words to give the wearer something positive to focus on.

The Sibyl pendants have continued to thrive in popularity and are worn by thousands in Bristol and beyond, often acting as an amulet for many people. Students are said to often identify a fellow Bristolian by their Sibyl necklace. Over 1700 Sibyl pendants have been sold in the past year alone.

On equality Diana said: “I am concerned to express my perception of the qualities of women in the pieces I make – not as adjuncts to men, but as strong, peace loving, creative, intuitive, magical human beings.”

Shortly after graduation in 1993, Diana created a jewellery studio in her living room and began to develop her collections, which included the Sibyl pendants. As the popularity of her work grew, new silver collections such as the ‘on and on’ range were designed and produced. A request for a set of hand etched partnership wedding rings to be made in gold sparked the creation of a selection of new designs in platinum and gold. In 1999, Diana won British Jewellery Designer of the Year. As popularity for these designs grew, the demand for her bespoke commission pieces grew.

Diana wanted to ensure her work could be created as ethically as possible. After a research trip to the Fairtrade Goldmine in Cotapata, Bolivia, Diana was one of the first jewellers to create all her jewellery in Fairtrade Gold.

When talking about her longevity Diana said: “I started this lovely little business in my front room... I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women who have helped to grow the business into a beautiful shop and workshop in the heart of Bristol. It is astonishing to think that from our humble Sibyl beginnings we now specialise in unusual, unique engagement and wedding rings.”

Diana’s Bristol gallery showcases not only her own collections but also the collections of over 80 British and international designers. Her aim has been to promote an eclectic mix of modern work –from a wide range of stunning engagement and wedding rings to experimental pieces by emerging new talents. It was Diana’s wish for Diana Porter Jewellery to go on.

“You can't kill the spirit. She is like a mountain. Old and strong. She goes on and on and on.” • dianaporter.co.uk

Blooming into spring

Following the success of the debut store, which launched in Edinburgh in November, Dobbies Garden Centre has opened a brand new format store in Bristol – Little Dobbies.

Located on Whiteladies Road, Little Dobbies Clifton core offering is horticulturally focused with a carefully curated range of convenience gardening products, ideal for those in urban areas with a compact gardening space. This is complemented by a range featuring houseplants and pots; a small selection of gifts; and selected seasonal ranges. Freshly-ground takeaway coffee is also available. • dobbies.com

Image: Team member Thomas Lyford

WELL VERSED

Inspired by the true history of Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Nicola Skinner is set to release her third novel, Starboard, this month. The inspiring new novel from the rapturously acclaimed author tells the story of Kirsten, an apparently happy and successful 11year-old YouTube star who meets a ship that comes alive. The ship claims Kirsten as its new captain and breaks free from its dry dock.

Before being inspired to write her first children’s novel, Bloom, which was longlisted for both the Blue Peter Book Award and Branford Boase Book Award and won the North Somerset Book Award, Skinner worked as a copywriter and journalist for the likes of the Guardian. Skinner was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she spent an idyllic early childhood, mostly watching some very dramatic telenovelas, reading comics and going to the beach. When she was nine, she swapped it all for a few strict British boarding schools, which she says “weren’t nearly as fun”. Skinner now lives near Bristol with her family.

Liam Tolhurst, Head of Retail and Visitor Experience at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said: “We are thrilled that Nicola has chosen Brunel’s SS Great Britain to take the starring role in her latest children’s novel, a twenty-first century adventure story which captures the majesty of this nineteenth century ship and the hopes and fears of those who sailed in her.

“While the ship remains closed for now, would-be visitors can imagine themselves on a great voyage in this magical tale and learn much about the ship at the same time.”

If you can’t wait to get your hands on this extraordinary story, limited edition signed copies are available online for pre-order via the SS Great Britain’s online shop.

• Starboard is out on 1 April; ssgreatbritain.org

Nicola Skinner