Jim Partridge At Bilston Craft Gallery In Wolverhampton - 24 Hour Museum - official guide to UK museums, galleries, exhibitions and heritage

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JIM PARTRIDGE AT BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY IN WOLVERHAMPTON
	20/01/2004

Shows a photograph of a large crescent-shaped wooden bench set amongst trees.

Photo: Gray's Seat, Lancaster, 2000 by Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley, oak. Photo: Michael Wolchover.

An exhibition of work by one of the UK’s finest woodworkers is on show at Bilston Craft Gallery until February 28.

A wood carving pioneer for 25 years, Jim Partridge uses unseasoned green timber, chain saws and blow torches to create his highly distinctive sculptural and tactile work.

His particular trademark is the scorching and waxing of wood, which emphasises the texture of the grain.

Photo: Bleached burr oak bowl on kissing seat, burr oak, 2002 by Jim Partridge. Photo: Jim Partridge.

Shows a photograph of a bleached wooden, almost spherical bowl, which is sat on a large, smoothly carved piece of darker wood.

This exhibition brings together key examples of his domestic and outdoor furniture, vessels and bowls, alongside images of his environmental projects such as bridges and hillside shelters.

Partridge’s skill lies in his innovative, versatile and playful approach to his craft, yet he is also interested in function, intending all of his pieces to be used.

This exhibition also acknowledges the significant contribution of Liz Walmsley, with whom Partridge has worked since 1986.

Shows a photograph of three wooden blocks, carved to appear like seats and arranged by the side of a waterway. In the background there is a bridge.

Photo: Quayside Picnic, 1999, oak by Jim Partridge. Photo: Jim Partridge.

The partnership is responsible for the success of many architectural projects and environmental commissions including the Logpile Lookout at Kielder Forest and the shelter for Grizedale Forest.

One of Partridge’s recent commissions was an award winning alter and cross for Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, using oak donated by Windsor Great Park.

Jim Partridge studied at John Makepeace’s Parnham House School for Craftsmen in Wood and held a Fellowship at Crewe and Alsager College in Cheshire in 1984.

Photo: Kissing Seat, 2002, work in progress, oak by Jim Partridge. Photo: Michael Wolchover.

Shows a photograph of a carved, light wood kissing seat.

In 1999 he was shortlisted for the prestigious Jerwood Applied Arts Prize for Furniture.

The exhibition has been organised by Manchester Art Gallery as part of Show5, a series of five major retrospective shows that aim to raise the profile of contemporary craft.

Show5 is supported by Arts Council England and the Esmée Fairburn Foundation.


Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton
	Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Bilston, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU, West Midlands, England T: 01902 552507 Open: Tuesday and Tursday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 7pm Friday 10am - 1pm Saturday 11am - 4pm Closed: Closed Sun, Mon & Bank holidays

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