Silent Echoes at Dean Heritage Centre

Until 5 August – Delve into the world of mining in the Forest of Dean, with Gloucestershire artist Yvette Willet’s mixed media exhibition at the Dean Heritage Centre.

Drop by the Dean Heritage Centre in the Forest of Dean over the coming weeks and you’ll not only find five acres of scenic walks and trails to explore, but also five indoor galleries packed with exhibitions about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day – including an exhibition by Gloucestershire artist Yvette Willet until Sunday 5 August.

Willet’s exhibition, entitled Silent Echoes, boasts contemporary works using mixed media with a mining theme – tapping in to a subject which is at the heart of the local area.

While the true origins of coal mining in the Forest of Dean are not exactly known, the industry was thought to have been established in Roman times, and as late as 1945 half of the area’s male population were employed in the harsh underground mines.

Inspired by visits to Clearwell Caves and other sites in the local area, Silent Echoes explores the tradition of mining, both ancient and modern, within the Forest of Dean and how nature has all but eradicated the signs of this once major local industry.

The exhibition includes pieces ranging from haunting portraits through to ethereal text uttered deep in the mines years ago. Silent Echoes also incorporates coal from a local freeminers’ holding in Yorkley – adding a further touch of authenticity to the artist’s work.

The exhibition is sure to prove a thought-provoking addition to the Dean Heritage Centre over the coming weeks, so don’t keep the news about Silent Echoes quiet.

Exhibition: Silent Echoes
Venue: Dean Heritage Centre
Date: Until Sunday 5 August
Times: From 10am to 5.30pm daily
Tickets: Admission is free to the gallery

SoGlos.com
19 July 2007