Happy Holidays from Hatfield Hines!

By popular demand, we've made you an updated video (courtesy of ace cameraman Olivier) showing Holt Christmas lights 2010.

Sorry there's no snow but we couldn't get up the hill with the camera when there was!

Merry Christmas from all at Hatfield Hines and our very best wishes for 2011.

Norfolk's Top Ten Views - The Results!

Over the summer months, your survey responses have flooded in by email, by post and in person to the Gallery...

Now - the wait is over. The Top Ten Views in Norfolk - as voted by you - are as follows:

1. Cromer Beach
2. Views over the River Bure
3. Morston - looking towards Blakeney
4. Salthouse church towards the sea
5. Holkham Beach
6. Brancaster
7. Weybourne Beach
8. West Runton Common
9. Sheringham Park
10 Castle Acre Priory

And the lucky winners of the prize draw to have their own favourite Norfolk view painted by local landscape maestro David Baxter are - Neville & Helen De Spretter of Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.

The view they love the best is 'The view from the edge of Sheringham Park looking over to Weybourne, with the church just visible and the sea beyond'.

As they told Hatfield Hines "This is Norfolk at her best - sky, land and sea and nature, merging with the village in a timeless setting. This view is so evocative of what for us is paradise on earth."

Congratulations to Neville & Helen!

Gallery 'goes public' at new Gastro-Pub

Foodie fans of Hatfield Hines' artists will be pleased to know that they can now browse works from our 20th Century art collection over dinner...

The gallery will be showing a selection of works at the 'Parson Woodford' gastro-pub in Weston Longville, Norwich.

For those who just can't wait to view - the newly refurbished venue - focusing on the work of local artists - will re-open on Tuesday 12th October at 8am...

Check out the menu...

Click below for the route from Holt to Weston Longville on Google maps.
(Sat Nav users - head for NR9 5JU)

Art all night long at Nuit Blanche, Paris

Visitors to Paris last weekend were treated to a night of spectacular (and not so spectacular) free installations, courtesy of Nuit Blanche, the French capital's annual all-night-art-fest...

Contributions viewed by Hatfield Hines' roving Girl Friday included:

- 'Reflexion!?' a giant exclamation mark constructed of tiny illuminated micro-fans, suspended in mid-air inside the ancient church of Saint-Paul

- 'Crisis' an illuminated shed which promised (but did not deliver) smoke effects, at Square Leopold Achille, in the Marais

- 'Aurora Borealis' an amazing Swedish installation of gauzy banners, billowing in the breeze, projected with luminous images, inspired by the northern lights

- 'Cinema en Plein Air' an all-night open air cinema at Place du Marche Ste Catherine, showing a series of short films

-An amazing walk-through '3D Bridge' installation on the Pont Saint-Louis

-'(M)ondes' - a courtyard installation with light projections reflected from suspended wire structures, to create an animated firefly effect

- 'The Kiss' - an installation at the Ecole Nationale Des Beaux-Arts where two naked dancers, housed inside a canvas-covered box, press against the screen to recreate elements from celebrated sculpture. Also at the same venue, a spectacular glass room within which actors pose inanimate - like mannequins of the 1940s - until a spectator is invited to enter, to interact with them.

Last Week of our Norfolk Landscape Competition!

As we enter the final week for entries to our competition to find Norfolk's top landscape, we hear a personal view from well-known local author and wildlife expert John Hurst...

"My favourite view can be seen when walking in a northerly direction down the east bank at Cley Marshes NWT Reserve. As you near the shingle bank there is a fabulous view to the east over Arnold's Marsh towards Salthouse.

The location is named after the famous 'collector' of rare and interesting bird species - E C Arnold - who at the turn of the last century supported the local taxidermy trade by his pursuits...

In the 1970s the viewpoint became famous when acclaimed ornithologist, writer and artist, Richard Richardson was regularly seen at this point - observing birds and encouraging others to do the same.

Since 1972 I have seen many wonderful species of migratory waders from this point and only a few days ago in the company of friends saw a group of Lapland Buntings from northern Canada and a wryneck from eastern Europe; such is the magic for ornithologists of 'The East Bank, Cley'."

John's viewpoint is recorded in his book 'Norfolk Coastal Colours' on page 64 along with one of his earliest sketches, drawn from an inspirational visit to the area.

Norfolk is good for you - it's official!

Boffins at the University of Sheffield have today published new research which proves tranquil countryside living environments - such as Norfolk - are good for the brain.

Their findings show that tranquil scenes with natural features - such as the sea - help the brain to function whilst man-made environments - like motorways - hamper it.

The research team measured brain activity when people were presented with different images.

The results showed that the natural, tranquil beach scenes caused brain areas to become `connected´ with one another – indicating that these brain regions were working in sync. However, the non-tranquil motorway scenes disrupted connections within the brain.

Neuroscientist Dr Michael Hunter said: "People experience tranquillity as a state of calmness and reflection, which is restorative compared with the stressful effects of sustained attention in day-to-day life. "

For a taste of tranquillity for all those who aren't lucky enough to live here day-to-day, grab a cuppa and have a restorative look at our online landscape collection...

Art Alfresco at Sheringham Woods...

For North-Norfolk-dwellers, a walk in the woods can involve a bit more than botany, boots and bird-watching these days...

In Sheringham Park's new 'Bower' area - complete with disabled-friendly nature ponds and a wildflower meadow full of intriguing-sounding 'mini-beasts' - the National Trust team are inviting locals to get creative in 3D with a selection of natural 'found' objects.

Snaps of woodland works of art can be emailed for display on the Park's website at: sheringhampark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Here's one they prepared earlier! Is it 'art'? You decide?

Radio Norfolk's Money-Guru in-Spire-d by survey

Thanks to Jeremy Hooke - the voice of BBC Radio Norfolk's 'Monday Money' and former Lord Mayor of Norwich - for tipping us off to his own favourite Norfolk view...

"My personal favourite is the view from the top of St. John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich looking eastwards, out towards the coast.

This is a rare and spectacular view from a spot which I was fortunate enough to visit several times during my tenure as Lord Mayor of Norwich.

The tower - which is the highest point from there right the way until the Ural mountains in Russia - is open during Heritage Open Days - and it is well worth a visit!"

To mark your own beauty spot on the Norfolk landscape and win the chance to immortalise it in a specially commissioned oil, just enter our competition or pick up a form at the Gallery. Hurry though - the closing deadline is now fast-approaching on 15th September!

Hatfield Hines - Coming Up Roses in September

During September, Hatfield Hines Gallery celebrates all things floral with a special exhibition featuring Norfolk Gardens and Flower paintings...

Styles range from the painterly still-lifes of Naomi Clements-Wright and Eleanor Hope-Henderson to the vivid semi-cubist collages of Naomi Munuo and pastoral pastels of emerging talent Liz Inwood, daughter of well-known local artist Derek Inwood.

Celeb Chef Galton Blackiston's Top Landscape

Michelin-starred TV Chef Galton Blackiston has cooked his way around the world, but his heart still belongs to Norfolk...

“My favourite view is seen when driving from Langham to Morston.

At one point in the journey you get a perfect view from Blakeney Point to the Watch House.

On a Summer's evening it’s just fantastic and I love it!”

To mark your own beauty spot on the Norfolk landscape and win the chance to immortalise it in a specially commissioned oil, just enter our competition or pick up a form at the Gallery. Hurry though - the closing deadline is 15th September.

Naomi Munuo at Gallery late night view

Hatfield Hines was pleased to welcome special guest - artist Naomi Munuo - at Holt Festival's 'late shift' evening opening at the Gallery on Tuesday.

Munuo joined staff and exhibition browsers for a glass of wine and spoke of her latest project-in-progress - a series of unique local landscapes.

The new works - inspired by the ambience and architecture of the parklands surrounding her home - carry Munuo's distinctive style into new and exciting territories.

Watch this space for further developments!

Art hits the streets in Holt...

Thanks to pavement posse 'Urban Canvas', who took their chalks for a walk in Fish Hill yesterday, creating an amazing 30 foot multi-colour pencil doodle.

Today's browsers have been equally entertained by glimpses of a bowler-hatted gent power-walking through the town playing audio clips of helicopter landings from his concealed-speaker-briefcase!

Raise a Glass to Holt Summer Festival...

Holt Summer Festival kicks off this Sunday with a week of special arts events and workshops in store...

From July 25th to 31st Festival-goers can take a songwriting workshop, paint pots, enjoy a blues picnic in the woods or hitch a ride on a free shuttle bus to explore contemporary greek myths in Holt Country Park.

For our own artistic contribution to this year's festival, Hatfield Hines are taking part in the Holt Gallery Trail.

On Monday there will be pavement art to enjoy outside on Fish Hill and on Tuesday and Thursday evening we will stay open with drinks until 8pm for two special after-hours viewings of our current exhibition - Naomi Munuo.

We're also launching a new competition to find Norfolk's Best Loved View. All entries will go into a prize draw and the winner will receive a specially commissioned oil of their own favourite Norfolk landscape.

To enter, either pick up a nomination form in the Gallery or click here to enter via email.

What's Your Favourite Norfolk View?

Tell us and you could win a specially commissioned oil painting in our new survey competition!

Your County Needs You!
At Hatfield Hines we're always keen on introducing visiting art lovers to new views of Norfolk, so we're launching a summer competition to find the most enjoyed view in the area.

To nominate your own favourite, simply click on our recruiting poster to email us the details.

As a thank-you for taking part, we'll enter you into our free summer prize draw.

The lucky winner will receive a painting of their own favourite Norfolk view by local landscape artist David Baxter (so it will be your opportunity to specially commission your own painting for free..!)

Surreal Summer at Hatfield Hines

For our summer 'Spotlight' show, we focus on the work of emerging local talent, Naomi Munuo.

This exhibition, running until 31st July, highlights the vibrant life studies and surreal still lifes of Cental St. Martin's and Goldsmith's-trained Munuo, whose works have featured at The Royal Academy.

Beginning her artistic life in fashion design, Ipwsich-based Munuo has continued to be inspired by the human figure, illustrating it using richly textured, irregular shapes in works which often involve layered collage techniques.

She says of her artworks 'In my paintings, I explore the relationship between the object and its environment...I observe the world around me with passion and interpret it spontaneously'.

Her use of colourful figures and modeled pieces set in abstracted, patterned backgrounds are inspired both by the angular works of her sculptor-father as well as an early interest in Japanese art - with its flat shapes and controlled lines.

The textural tapestries which also feature strongly in her work are interwoven from elements of wax resist, batik, ink, oil, pastels and acrylic - contrasting grainy texture with glassy transparency - to dramatic effect.

This exhibition charts the evolution of Munuo's distinctive style over two decades, from early fashion-sketches to recent canvas and collage pieces. Prices: £125 - £1500

The exhibition forms part of Holt Festival's Gallery Trail.
All participating Galleries will be open for drinks from 6-8pm on Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th July, so please do come and join us.

Museum 'Nights Out' - too much fun..?

As a friendly kinda gallery, we were intrigued recently when Radio 4 aired the issue of whether Britain's art venues and museums are becoming simply 'too much fun'...

During May - as part of the nationwide 'Museums at Night' scheme - intrepid culture-vultures were given the chance to 'sleepover' with Churchill in the Cabinet War Rooms, or could opt for a surgical slumber at The Old Operating Theatre...

In Coventry, the Herbert Gallery offered string quartets; at Newcastle's Discovery Museum there were human fruit machines, whist in Worcestershire, the Avoncroft Museum relied on the lure of free chocolate to pull in hordes of children to take part in their song-and-dance extravaganza.

Here in Norfolk, we got stuck in with a 'light in the night' lantern-making workshop courtesy of the Henry Blogg Lifeboat Musem in Cromer. These would certainly have come in handy for the Cornish - evidently made of sterner stuff - who were offered the chance to 'follow a night shift' down the Geevor tin mine...

So - 'bring it on' or 'rein it in' - fun or fundamentals? What's your view? Let us know by posting your comments below...

From Abstract to Pastoral...

After a great reaction to our Abstracts Made Real exhibition through April, Hatfield Hines has decided to calm the pace down with a serene exhibition of Fields and Farms for May.

The front gallery showcases some wonderful rural views by a variety of artists from Norfolk and beyond, including Sir Daniel Lascelles, Philippa Bewley-Pope and Peter Jamieson.

The diversity of style and content illustrates that some of the best subjects for art are just outside the window. The more contemporary scenes also reaffirm that - luckily - so much of the British landscape still remains unspoilt, and is out there waiting to be rediscovered...

Get Romantic in the Local Landscape...

Garden lovers can enjoy a private view al-fresco today at The Romatic Garden Nursery in Swannington...

Local leadwork artist Brian Turner is hosting a special preview of his newest designs.

Artisan-of-choice to a coveted roster of celebrated garden designers including George Carter (one of the Times' Top Ten horticultural designers) and Bunny Guinness, Turner has already brought home five Cheslea Gold Medals for his creative installations, in collaboration with the Romantic Garden Nursery's topiary and planting.

As well as an amazing display of plants, on show today will be a selection of water features, fountains, plaques, cisterns and urns, together with a display of 'the tools of the trade' showing the complex process of creating art in lead.

There will also be exclusive access to Swannington Manor Gardens, as well as the chance to meet George Carter, who will have a selection of his books on sale.

The event will be open 10-5pm today, with a drinks reception at lunchtime at:

The Romantic Garden Nursery
The Street, Swannington
Norfolk NR9 5NW

Get 'abstract' in April at Hatfield Hines...

For April, The Hatfield Hines Gallery has put together an exhibition of original British abstracts from 1950s to the present day, featuring work by a diverse range of artists including Roy Turner Durrant, Valerie Thornton, Frank Beanland and Flora Wood.

The Real Made Abstract

We chose the theme “The Real Made Abstract”, as we've been wondering what it is that drives artists to move from a typically traditional, figurative approach to a more abstract style as they progress through their careers; most of the great “abstract” artists from Mondrian to Picasso were created rather than born, and had a firm technical grounding and an early career based in realism.

Our musings have included the theory that as artists grow in their own experience they are able to draw more on their mental repertoire than the literal reality of figures, landscape and objects around them. Alternatively it might be a case of the 'intellectual' creeping in as artists mature, and their craft expands from representation into an exploration of wider ideas...

Whatever the forces at play, we have pulled together a thought-provoking and - we hope - inspiring exhibition of works at The Hatfield Hines Gallery in Holt, all of which are for sale.

We hope it will tempt you into the Gallery to visit...

The Body in the Gallery...

All of us have 'a book' in them, or so they say...

If yours is a potential bunny-boiler, cop-caper or heist-fest, you'll delight this weekend.

Sleuth fiction is set to turn sea-ward on Saturday 6th February as crime writer Kelvin I Jones offers an introductory one day writing course in Crime Fiction...

Jones is a creative writing tutor at the University of East Anglia, specialising in crime and horror fiction. He has written extensively about Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Conan Doyle. His own detective creation - John Botrell - features in a series of novels (see Amazon). He is also the author of many ghost and horror stories.

Budding Chandlers, Christies or Cornwell's should walk the grid, dust for prints and grill Kelvin for further clues on cunningman@hotmail.co.uk or phone: 07976 507954

Featured image: Artist and Model Reflected, by Gerald Meares

Spotlight on - Ipswich painter Naomi Munuo

Ipswich-based artist Naomi Munuo revels in the big, the bold and the vibrant.

Her distinctive artistic style evolved whilst studying for a degree in fashion at St Martin's College, London - loose illustration of the human figure combined with interests in both Cubism and Abstract Expressionism to create a scuptural, colour-rich collage effect.

In Munuo's vision, simplified forms of the female body and still life subjects such as busts, plants and flowers are set within a dynamic framework of angular line.

The resulting images are a series of highly arresting scenes which grip the viewer, pulling them into intense, surreal compositions of many textured layers.

The effect is heightened by the varied mark-making made possible through combining media such as thickly applied acrylic paint, oil pastel, wax resist, ink and paper strips. This texural richness is enhanced by the use of pattern blocks which further dramatise the sense of scale within her compositions.

To see further examples of Munuo's pieces, click here.

To view this artist's profile, click here.