Bath’s parks are at that changeover stage. The last of the spring flowering is fading and it will soon be time to put in the colourful summer beds.
While you’re waiting to appreciate that riot of floral hues l suggest popping into Bath’s Victoria Art Gallery.
In fact – if the sky is grey overhead ( or even if it isn’t) – get yourself into the ground floor gallery for a sunshine fix.
As someone who lived through the Psychedelic Sixties, and glorious riots of colour in the cinema like the Beatle’s ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ – l had the shock of my life.
Preview night for ” A Celebration of Flowers” with American artists Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahout was like wading through the bold and intense end of a pack of Dulux colour cards.
Don’t be tempted to hide behind your sunglasses either as you will miss a treat – though one that might take a while getting accustomed to!
The exhibition features some of Kaffe’s exquisite needlework and patchwork quilts – set against colourful mosaic island gardens, exuberant mirror frames, totem cup poles and jewelled shoes by Candace Bahouth – who is based in Somerset.
Kaffe is an internationally renowned colour expert and fabric designer who is making a welcome return to Bath. He has been associated with the city since the 1960s when he moved to England from San Francisco. He certainly brought ‘flower power’ with him.
It’s a spellbinding colour scheme – set off by a bit of interior redecorating by the Victoria Art Gallery team. Something Kaffe appreciated.
The exhibition – which runs until September – was officially opened by broadcaster Keven McCloud. He had quite an audience too.
Amongst those invited was the founder of the British pop art movement Sir Peter Blake – still seen from time to time in his old full-time home at Wellow. Where would that Sgt Pepper’s cover be without him!
Talking of pop – legendary founder of the Glastonbury Festival Michael Eavis looked very much at home too!
But back to Kevin McCloud. Forgive sound quality.
A lot of the work on show IS most definitely for sale too!
The show also celebrates Kaffe’s recent book on the floral world called Bold Blooms. It is also on sale at the Victoria Gallery.
The exhibition is open from today – Saturday, May 19. Tickets are available at £12/£11 concessions from the Victoria Gallery or Bath Box Office. Discovery cardholders get in for free.
