Mark Hearld is one of my favourite artists and I was so excited to visit his exhibition 'Unimagined Treasures' in the Lumber Room, York Art Gallery.
It was a feast for the eyes as Hearld had selected a wonderfully eclectic miscellany of treasures from the stores of the York Art Gallery, the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum.
It was fascinating to see how these pieces had influenced his paintings, drawings and pottery.
I loved this dog so much!
Here's Sam, hard at work....
As I was wandering around, wide eyed and open mouthed, a group of junior school children came in with their teacher.
They stood there, listening intently to their teacher, as he was talking about the emotional quality that a collection can have and the powerful connection that inanimate objects can possess.
I was impressed!
I am obsessed with Hearld's hand writing.
And with this donkey!
It was a real privilege to be able to see his sketch books and scrap books.
I fell in love with this painting, that hat!
(Utmost apologies, but I forgot to note the artist's name due to severe giddiness.)
If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend this exhibition with all my heart.