Barnstaple hosts new exhibition honouring local artist

North Devon Council has announced a new exhibition at the Barnstaple Pannier Market, celebrating the work of the late Rosemary Barrow ARCA, a renowned local artist who left a mark on the community with her vibrant portrayals of Barnstaple's architecture and market scenes.

Rosemary Barrow, who trained at the Royal College of Art in the 1960s, was a well-known figure in Barnstaple.

Her daughter, Amelia Isaac, shared insights into her mother's artistic journey: “Rosemary, who trained at Royal College of Art in the 1960s, was a well-known local figure, she could often be  seen on her stool painting on location whatever the weather! Rosemary worked initially in oils and later in water colour. Her paintings illustrate the beauty of the architecture of Barnstaple. She also captured Barnstaple Pannier Market over the decades. These sketches have been created as flags and now adorn the pillars of the market."

The exhibition features large canvases of Rosemary's distinctive scenes of Barnstaple, hung from the market's beams, offering visitors a unique perspective on the town.

Additionally, a future trail linking the sites depicted in her work is being planned, with a launch expected in early 2025.

Lee Baxendale, Cultural Producer, said: “It’s wonderful to have the work of a cherished local artist displayed in the Pannier Market, especially alongside the Turner exhibition at the Museum. I urge everyone to visit the market to see this exhibition, which offers a stunning portrayal of Barnstaple through the eyes of a very talented, local artist.”

The council said the exhibition has been made possible thanks to support from the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The exhibition is open now and will run until mid-October.