Shrewsbury oil paintings celebrate Darwin's birthday
Stunning oil paintings of four of Shrewsbury's best-known landmarks have been created to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the town's most famous son.
The Mount, St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury Library and the interior of the Church of St Mary's all have links to the story of Charles Darwin, who was born in the town on 12 February 1809.
Yesterday, on the 204th anniversary of his birth, the Millard & Lancaster gallery, in St Mary's Street, unveiled the series of original oil paintings as part of International Darwin Day.
The paintings – which are on sale with prices for each starting at £1,400 – are the work of Stoke-based artist Rob Pointon.
The works portray Charles Darwin's birthplace at The Mount, the church of St Chad's where he was christened, Shrewsbury Library, which was Darwin's old school and where his statue now sits, and the interior of the Church of St Mary's. In 1894 some 50ft of St Mary's spire fell down, severely damaging the church and necessitating extensive restoration. A local vicar suggested that the collapse was divine retribution for the decision to erect a statue to Charles Darwin in the town!
Mr Pointon said the artwork had been created in the town over seven days at the start of the month.
He added: "I've been working with Millard & Lancaster and we've produced a body of four works which involved me spending a couple of hours on each painting every day over a full week.
Stacey Millard, co-owner of Millard & Lancaster, said: "We are delighted that Rob Pointon has undertaken a series of works showing Darwin's Shrewsbury."
He said the paintings were 'distinctive' and 'atmospheric'.
Charles Darwin has also provided the inspiration for a new collection of handmade ceramics featuring historic sites in and around the county town. The collection was created by
Deborah Sears of Oxford-based Isis Ceramics. It is available solely at Millard & Lancaster and pieces start at £80.
