Signposts & Departures

This exhibition offers Pete a chance to revisit past works, refine his drawing skills, and create new pieces exploring fresh artistic directions. Over twelve years, he has focused on producing paintings of boats, water, and harbours. However, for this body of work, he has been supported by being given access to the locations and archives of the SS Freshspring Society, Kathleen and May Trust, Rolle Canal Society, and Tarka Valley Railway. This has enabled him to undertake work that departs from earlier styles.

Pete spends significant time drawing on-site at locations associated with the above societies. These drawings exist in their own right, and act as springboards for other forms, such as painted silhouettes over blueprints and installation pieces. His research into heritage and tourism helped shape the exhibition, revealing the progression from design and manufacture, through restoration efforts by volunteers, to these projects becoming part of a tourist landscape. Each stage has inspired new creative ideas.