AN EXHIBITION that draws comparisons between a world-renowned seventeenth century masterpiece and a Denbighshire community will take place this month.
A new exhibition of photography tracing Llangollen’s more than 100 clubs and societies in the theme of The Night Watch, a 1642 oil painting by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, is being held at Llangollen Museum from Wednesday, September 5.
The Night Watch depicts the militia of Frans Bannick Cocq, a seventeenth century mayor of Amsterdam, which is displayed at the Amsterdam Museum. The painting is known for its dramatic use of light and dark that draws the viewer towards the scene's characters.
The Llangollen-based photographers Simon Collinge, former BBC cameraman and graphic designer who has lived in Llangollen for 30 years, and Andrew Gale, freelance photographer whose work includes the documentary 'Your Town, Your Story Llangollen', were inspired to undertake their new project after seeing the painting first-hand at the museum in the Dutch capital.
Mr Collinge said: “I approached Andrew with the idea of taking photographs in the style of Rembrandt having been inspired by seeing the Night Watch in Amsterdam and comparing characters with some of our local personalities.
“We discovered there were over 100 clubs and societies, so I acted as producer contacting and arranging the photo shoots and directed the arrangements while Andrew took the photographs and directed.
“We worked together on the content and layout together and I thoroughly enjoyed the professional experience working with Andrew.”
The pair’s work has been published in a book titled Llangollen Community, which is now on display at the museum in Llangollen.
The photographers’ individual work will also be on show, alongside the work of Llangollen-based Edward Bell, who once designed album artwork for none other than David Bowie's 'Scary Monsters and Super Creeps' in 1980. Bowie later bought all of Bell’s work for his private collection.
Peers artists Mike Flory and Carys Roberts will also be exhibiting their work inspired by Llangollen.
The exhibition will be open between 10am to 4pm until Sunday, September 30.
For more information on Llangollen Museum visit www.llangollenmuseum.org.uk
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