Chapter House Ruins To Be Arts Venue

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Artwork on show in historic surroundings

The newly refurbished Chapter House ruins, once part of the massive and historically important Merton Abbey, are to be the site of an art exhibition during Merton's first Arts Trail. 

Curators Sue Evans and Wendy Bliss have chosen ten recent graduates from Wimbledon College of Art who will be showing work made in response to the heritage site, which was destroyed by Henry VIII. 

Steeped in history, the many artefacts found during various excavations of the Chapter House, have been stored in the Museum of London.

Some of these will be on display during the exhibition, being aired for the first time in many years, as each artist has chosen one or more to support their installation piece. 

Marcus Beale Architects, designers of the new Wimbledon College of Art Reception and Gallery space, have sponsored this exhibition, and they are delighted to be supporting the project alongside the Museum of London.  

The exhibition will be free and open to the public on October 7/8 and October 15/16.  

The event is part of the first Merton Arts Trail when artists who live and work in Merton will display work in their studios or local venues.

It is also hoped the public will visit 24 art studios in Lombards Road, which is walking distance alongside the river from Merton Abbey Mills, plus 12 more nearby at the Phipps Bridge Art Studios.

For those who enjoy walking in Cannizaro House gardens, the Potting Shed Studios will also be opening their doors to the public.

September 8, 2011