World of Worlidge Exhibition

The remarkable works of the 18^th century artist Thomas Worlidge are revealed at a fascinating new exhibition which opens this Saturday, 19^th April, at Peterborough Museum.

 

Thomas Worlidge (c. 1700 1766) was a Peterborough-born artist who was renowned for his etchings, a form of printing where a printing plate is built up by hand by the artist. Worlidge was famed for his portraits and copies of earlier artist's work, including that of Rembrandt. So fine was his work that Worlidge even became nicknamed 'the English Rembrandt'.

 

Visitors will be able to see many of Worlidge's etchings on display from the fine collection of his work in the Museum's collections. They will also be able to see some of the original line drawings and preliminary sketches for the etchings, discover more about Worlidge and his eventful life, and learn more about the recent conservation work undertaken on many of the items on display.

 

Glenys Wass, Museum Heritage Collections Manager for Peterborough City Council said 'This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for us to show the wonderful etchings we have in the collection, which have not been on display for many years. Worlidge was a fascinating artist, who was able to capture extraordinary detail in his etchings, and through them give us a taste of life in the 18th century. Some of these etchings are almost like the gossip pictures of today, with many infamous people of the day illustrated including the man who lived to be 169 years old!'

 

'In addition to having the opportunity to see this wonderful collection, we are also offering etching sessions for groups. These sessions will allow people to work with an artist to examine portraits and make their own prints using drawing and printing techniques. 'If you are a group who is interested in the etching sessions please contact the museum on 343329.

 

The 'World of Worlidge' exhibition is at Peterborough Museum from Saturday 19 April until Sunday 1 June and is open 10am 5pm Tuesday Saturday and 12noon - 4pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission is free of charge.