New group of young artists in Bideford

A new association of young artists known as the Waterside Group has been formed in Bideford. To qualify for membership of the group an artist must be under 40. The group has held its first open-air exhibition. Paintings were hung on the park railings in the hope of attracting people who would not normally go inside an art gallery.

Explained a member: ‘Our idea is to exhibit paintings here on the river bank which will produce a positive reaction and not just conventional admiration for a pretty-pretty picture. We want to bring art in the modern style to the attention of ordinary people. We hope even the Teddy Boys will stop and have a look when they come along’.

Those exhibiting were Brian Chugg, Barbara Vincent, June Strick, Josephine Spence, Mary Chugg, Jan Reynolds and Ken Doughty.

Gazette article 29 June 1956