Exhibition update

In 1962 the Natural History Museum commissioned Bownas to paint a set of intricate botanical studies for an exhibition relating to marshlands.

Earlier this year I had the wonderful opportunity to visit their archives and see Bownas’ work for the very first time. The exquisite studies are quite unusual, each one hand painted on coloured board, showing micro details of plant life.

I’m delighted to confirm that a loan has been agreed with the NHM and a set of 20 artworks will go on display during the Sheila Bownas exhibition next summer.

Celebrating Bownas’ life and work as an artist and textile designer ‘A life in pattern’ will open at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum in Warwickshire from 25th June until 3rd September 2016

* (left) 1962 study by Bownas with kind permission of the Natural History Museum.