30th
Hot News Travels
Gill and Elaine the owners of Abbey Walk Gallery were excited and pleased to receive their first international visitor to their premises. Nils Wieland travelled from his home town of Amsterdam to Grimsby specifically to visit the now famous portrait of Van Gogh painted by the French artist Jeanne Donnadieu in 1886, his neighbour in Paris at that time.
Nils 52 is a musician and artist and a life long admirer of Van Gogh. He learnt about the portrait via all the publicity received at the Gallery that went world wide. ‘I could not pass the opportunity to visit Grimsby and view this portrait; it is of such significance and historical importance.’
Amanda Cruickshank the owner of the portrait was on hand at the Gallery to talk to Nils about the portrait. ‘I am just so pleased that Nils has travelled so far to visit this portrait. I know that there have been over two thousand people all ready who have been to see the portrait but Nils has definitely travelled the furthest.’
Nils also took the opportunity to view the current exhibition of work by the artist Matthew Brewster and was hugely impressed by what he saw of his work and also the work of the ten local artists who work from studios at the premises. ‘This is a wonderful Gallery and I think that other Gallery’s should work with in house artists, it makes the experience so much greater. Painting to me is making life into a work of art and your artist Matthew has certainly done that’
Elaine of Abbey Walk Gallery also took the chance to showcase our town to Nils and took him to see the Dock Tower, Town Hall and of course a quick trip to the seaside. ‘We know that we have had such positive publicity about this hugely important piece of work and that our town as a consequence has been linked to it. I am hugely proud of Grimsby and it is amazing to think that it has been mentioned as far afield as in the LA Times and even China.’
As Nils left Grimsby he stated that this was a trip that he would never forget ‘Everyone that I have met since I have been in town from the people in the pubs to the guest house have been so friendly and could not have done more to help me or make me feel welcome, I am sure I will be back’
The Van Gogh can still be viewed at Abbey Walk Gallery by request.
Matthew Brewster’s Emotional Resonance continues at the Gallery until 5 November. For further information please contact the Gallery on 01472 241007 or email at art@abbeywalkgallery.com
