The Eversdens Art Exhibition - July 2000
Without doubt a stunning success for the Eversdens!
It was at 8pm on Friday 14th July when I had the pleasure to attend Gt. Eversden village hall for the preview of the exhibition. It was extremely well attended with lots of chatter stimulated by a glass of wine and light refreshments. Everyone who had a hand in bringing this event to the Eversdens justly deserve a pat on the back! It was extremely well organised the three notables being Anthony Green RA, Mary Cozens-Walker and Doreen Kneller.
The gathering was quickly brought to an appreciative silence by Anthony Green who opened the event in his well known, cheerful and colourful manner. We were reminded that the event was a revival, held in honour of Derek Mallows whose efforts brought together the first event. The many organisers were thanked for employing once more, what is becoming known as, the 'Eversden Element'. The wonders of village teamwork. We were invited to enjoy the fruits of all their labours. It is their glory this evening.
Another tribute was given to the contributors whose daring of having their work shown in public was said to be akin to 'appearing in public in their underwear!' Anthony's words not mine!
It was a proud moment for Judith Reid as she saw her 18 year old son James receive a special presentation for 'rooftops'. (See photo section). James is working for his A levels. Good fortune James!
Exciting suggestions were put forward for the forming of an Arts Society! A possibility here for an Eversden Annual Event! Watch this web site for further news!
Later. the Chairman, Doreen Kneller rightly asked for a special mention for Anthony and Mary without whose professionalism, encouragement and advice this event would never taken place!
Because of the great number in entries the photographs displayed on this web site are but a sample. It was impossible to record each and every item although each one screamed out for recognition. The standard was truly impressive
The exhibitors were Bruce Stapleton, David Miller, Tanya Erzinclioglu, Biddy Boyd, Rosemary Payne, H.E. McInnes, Elizabeth Hunt, D.I Lambert, Anne Emery, Philip Clemmow, Judy Jones, Patrick MacDonald, Dan Walmsley, James Reid, Simon Smith, Gemma Smith, Janet Smith, E Betts and J Sharpe, Chris Geering, Lindi Wood, Jill Geering, Georgina Joseph, Elizabeth Stone, Jacqueline Eade, Jo McNab, Christine Harland, Mrs Riley (deceased), Mary Cozens-Walker and Anthony Green.
Approximately £450 profit was made from this event. The Eversden Churches would like to thank the artists who contributed their work, donating 10% of all sales to the Churches Repair Fund.
Thanks also to those who pulled together to make this event possible. including Anthony Green and Mary-Cozens Walker, Derek and Betty Mallows, Paul and Margaret Tebbitt, Shelagh Robertson, Tony Bane, Linda and Peter Baines, John Sharpe and Elaine Betts, Roger Heavens, Desmond Elbourne, Barry Hayes, Tom and Christine Harland, Clive and Shirley Dalton, Jeff Hedges, Fred Sharman, Neville Bidwell.
During the evening, I took the opportunity of interviewing Derek Mallows who was showing a selection of his photograph collection. He had five modules on display, which he had designed himself. Derek told me he had been collecting these photographs for 25 years. Having canvassed the village he had put together an impressive archive. He showed me a striking photograph taken in 1946 which had been taken by the village authoress Miss E M Barraud, known locally as 'John'. Two other photos stood out in his collection, this time in full colour. Sunset over Wheelers Way! Looked more like a Caribbean Night Sky!
Derek is a major contributor to the Cambridgeshire Collection at the Cambridge City Library and also has generously allowed his photographs to be shown in the forthcoming book being produced by the Eversdens Millenium Fund.
Well done everyone, enjoy our photos!
Tony Bane - Eversden Web Reporter.