The Holburne Museum, at the end of Great Pulteney Street in Bath, is currently showcasing a new exhibition of clay and wax sculptures by some of its staff.
I went along to chat to Richard Bull, one of these new artists with a piece of art on display. In the video below, you will see him talking about his Heart with Mask, which is hanging on the wall. Inspired by the drawing together of communities during the Covid pandemic, Rich’s sculpture catches the eye immediately upon entering the room. I met Rich in 1988 while I was in my final year of school, and we have been mates ever since. But I never knew he had a talent for art. It was really interesting to hear him speak so keenly about his work.
The Holburne Museum was originally a hotel which stood at the entrance to Sydney Pleasure Gardens. It became a museum in 1915, when it was bought by the wealthy Holburne family. There are regular exhibitions of classic art by Old Masters and modern art by people such as Grayson Perry, and there is a huge permanent collection of porcelain, glass, silver, furniture, and paintings. My mate Rich is a popular guide there, and will give you information about the exhibits that you won’t find in any book.
There is also a lovely café at the back, leading onto Sydney Gardens, and the Up Late evenings on a Friday are very popular, but not rowdy.