See four seasons in one day

Joseph Farquharson: Through the Crisp Air

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

A new exhibition explores the four seasons through a range of historic and contemporary works of art from the borough’s art collection.

Opening at Touchstones Rochdale on Saturday 22 March and running until 7 March 2015, springtime blossom, summer sunshine, autumn leaves and winter snows are all captured in paint and print.

Intimate views of nature have historically dominated representations of the seasons, with images depicting pastoral scenes, changeable weather, events or any activities associated with each of the four distinct times of the year.

• The lush greens of summer and an abundance of flowers are captured by artists working ‘en plein air’ (out of doors) concerned with colour and light.
• Early spring is evoked by blossoming trees and subtle shifts in light and natural life.
• The coming of autumn is celebrated by the harvest and a new palette of oranges and reds.
• Artists have also found inspiration in the stark contrast of the winter landscape, shown through bleak darker tones or brightly dusted snow caps against crisp blue skies. 

With artworks dating from early 1800s to present day, the exhibition presents accomplished artists such as Joseph Farquharson (1846-1935) who was famous for his snowy landscapes featuring sheep and Adrian Berg RA (1929-2011) whose painting ‘Gloucester Gate, Regent’s Park’ fits in all four seasons on one canvas. Paintings by locally born artists Frederick Jackson (1859-1918) and Edward Stott (1855-1918), who originated in Middleton and Rochdale respectively, also feature.

The exhibition also features a new acquisition, Wu-Li by Halima Cassell, a carved ceramic piece in which flora and fauna abound; the curl of a carved fern’s frond moves into the bud of a lily about to open into flower. The piece symbolises spring-like new beginnings and its spherical form reflects both the ongoing nature of growth and the cyclical aspects of energy. The acquisition has been supported by V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Handley Bequest and the Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery.

Look out for the fun hands-on activities in this exhibition to engage younger visitors with the artworks on display, including a new set of activity boxes for under 5s and their carers linked to the seasons. These are available all the time in the gallery and are free of charge.