Industrial Thames Comes To Henley In New Exhibition

3 September 2009: The rarely seen industrial side of the working Thames is captured in a new exhibition The River, by renowned UK artist Alexander Pemberton, announced by the River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk) today. Pemberton is an internationally collected and exhibited artist and the exhibition opens with a unique opportunity to hear him talk about his work.

Watching the River Flow: Thames Paintings:
	Exhibition Dates: 19 September 2009 - 3 January 2010 at the Kirkham Gallery. Tickets from £5 - providing free access to the Museum for a year.
	Artist Talk: 19 September 2009. Artist Alexander Pemberton will give a unique insight into his work and inspiration. Starts at 11.30am. Tickets: £5.50

The River is a new departure for the Museum to examine how the less traditionally picturesque and more urban and industrialised lower reaches of the river have a beauty that inspires and fascinates both artists and audiences. The River juxtaposes the industrial aspects of the Thames and its surrounds with the serenity of the river, creating striking still and silent landscapes. Pemberton's work examines the river's relationship with the urban landscape and industrial figures. Pemberton's confident and masterly handling of the paint reflects a deep awareness of the river and its environment and each beautifully considered composition resonates strong impressions of light, air, water and space.

Pemberton has been painting the Thames near where he lives for over 15 years. His skilfully captured light play, differentiation of shades and subtle tones and thoughtful use of colours all add up to a unique, engaging portrayal of the river. The Thames itself is the narrator, assimilating with the industrial landscape and reflecting its life in the water's surface.

Artist Talk - 19 September.
At the opening of his exhibition, Pemberton will illustrate the development of his work since his student days at Chelsea School of Art. He will focus on the fascinating background to his paintings, his professional 30 year career as an artist and the practical issues of sketching outside and developing work in the studio.

Paul Mainds, Trustee and Chief Executive, River & Rowing Museum: "The River & Rowing Museum is delighted to be hosting Alexander Pemberton's exhibition and we look forward to an interesting phase of debate and discussion, reflection and reaction prompted by his very special perception of the River. The exhibition explores one of the Museums foremost themes, the River Thames and its ability to inspire and fascinate audiences while allowing people to engage with the environment and celebrate one of the UK's most famous landmarks."

End

Press information
Press releases and pictures for the events and activities can be downloaded from http://www.kallaway.co.uk/rrm.htm. For further information please contact:

Eliz Hevacioglu 020 7221 7883 eliz.helvacioglu@kallaway.co.uk
Catherine Yoxall 01491 415642 catherine.yoxall@rrm.co.uk


Notes to Editors
The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk )
The River & Rowing Museum is one of the UK's leading regional and sporting Museums, attracting over 100,000 visitors a year. The Museum also has a purpose built education centre visited by over 20,000 children and adults a year. The Museum provides superb value for money. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for children and provide free access for one year for the price of just one ticket. The Museum celebrates four themes explored through a wide variety of exhibitions and events across four galleries and special exhibitions:

• The past, present and future of the River Thames
• The historic riverside community of Henley on Thames
• The international sport of rowing
• The Wind in the Willows

Since opening in August 1998 the Museum has received numerous awards including the National Heritage/NPI Museum of the Year award and the Sandford Award For Heritage Education.

Location, opening and ticket information
The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk), Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF. Tel. 01491 415600.

• The Museum, terrace café and shop are open every day from 10am - 5.30pm in summer and 10am - 5pm in the winter
• Tickets give FREE admission for a whole year!
• Admission is just £7 for adults, £5 for children aged four and over, FREE for children aged three and under and £5 for senior citizens and concessions
• Free parking for visitors

The River & Rowing Museum is part of the Thames Valley Museums Group (TVMG) Family Friendly initiative - a scheme that brings together 29 Museums across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to promote their popular appeal to the whole family.

END TO ALL