The exhibition, which comprises paintings and etchings of Dover harbour throughout the ages will run through the summer and be a new addition to the popular Port of Dover Community Regatta on 25th July 2015, with a finale weekend in September.

Bernard Sealy, RCPYC Commodore, welcomed guests to the newly refurbished Lord Nelson Suite at the Club with the officially opening presided over by George Jenkins OBE, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board.

During the official opening, guests enjoyed poetry and music with readings from locally published author Jo Field and Trisha Peak, interspersed with songs sung by Chrissie Grimsdale accompanied by guitarist Steve Cleare. Clare Smith and Joanna Jones from DAD then introduced artist Helen Lindon who led an exploration of the Port’s paintings.

Bernard Sealy, Commodore of the Yacht Club, said:  “We were delighted to welcome so many guests and visitors throughout the weekend to the club to see some of the wonderful historic paintings from the Port of Dover’s collection. The watercolour workshops run by DAD were a huge success resulting in some stunning art, a book of which can also be seen at the exhibition.  We look forward to welcoming more visitors throughout the following months in order to show how by working in true partnership with the Port, as well as the support of others, we can all, through art, enjoy the rich history of this fascinating place. “

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:  “It is a pleasure to partner with the RCPYC in making such unique works of art available for our community to view. Through the exhibition, we are creating a way in which we can celebrate and enjoy a shared maritime heritage together. I hope that access to these artworks will give great pleasure and inspiration to those yet to enjoy them.”

Joanna Jones, DAD, said: “With so much diverse talent, abilities and approaches it was a really exciting workshop and I am once again delighted by the Port’s enthusiasm in working with us to develop Dover’s cultural offering. All of the watercolour workshop participants donated one or two works for inclusion in a Land & Sea project commemorative book left with the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club in the Lord Nelson Suite to be enjoyed by visitors during the exhibition.”

The exhibition forms part of the RCPYC’s Landscape Heritage Art Exhibition “Land and Sea” project and is funded through an Up on the Downs Landscape Heritage Grant.  It also forms part of Culture Kent 2015.

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors