Biography
The Bewdley Museum Trust was founded in 1969 with the aim of preserving Bewdley’s past. The Museum’s Collection is made up of items relating to the history of the area which also includes the towns of Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn. Many of the paintings in the Museum’s Collection relate to these areas. Portraits of local people, landscapes of the surrounding area and views of the three towns are common themes.
The Kidderminster Collection was acquired by Bewdley Museum in 1990 following the closure of Kidderminster Museum and Art Gallery. The Art Gallery was founded in 1929 and this Collection is more diverse in nature, reflecting a broader collecting policy. The emphasis is on contemporary works of art, with general landscapes and portraits predominating and also includes paintings of local importance.
Significant works include paintings by local artist Cyril Lavenstein who was Second Master at Kidderminster Art School. There is also a collection of other works, outside the remit of this catalogue, including line drawings by Frank Brangwyn and studies by Lord Leighton.
The paintings have generally been acquired through donations, however a large number were purchased by Kidderminster Art Gallery. Bewdley Museum does not purchase items for its collection and would not actively seek to add to the art collection although consideration is given to works that are of importance to the area.
Although no gallery space is given to permanent displays of paintings, a temporary exhibition programme ensures that a selection of the paintings are on display at least once a year and are usually themed by artist or subject matter.
