Warwick Castle

Thanks for the memories – the year in art in Coventry and Warwickshire

So, time to raise a Private View glass of probably-questionable wine to the last days of 2013, and look back at another year.
To those who complain about Coventry in particular being a cultural desert it’s worth pointing out again that I’ve filled 52 weeks’ worth of columns with reviews of art exhibitions, plus short bits about art-related activities, and longer pieces and interviews on this blog. Yes, not all the exhibitions may have been world class but there’s a lot going on around here and new quality artists keep emerging.
One of the best bits about doing the column is going to many of the private views, or opening nights, and also experiencing some other whacky one-offs.

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Canaletto paintings return to Warwick Castle for Arts at the Castle show

mick jagger
Mick Jagger and friend with one of the Canalettos visible in the background – now it is back without the rock star

After a varied past featuring Mick Jagger and Capability Brown, Canaletto has come home to the castle, for a month anyway.
At an atmospherically-lit opening night with prosecco, canapés and the great and good of Warwickshire for company it was a charming welcome back for the works.
Two paintings of Warwick Castle by Canaletto from 1752, owned by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, have been loaned to go on show in the room they used to hang in until November 29, and can be seen by all paying visitors.

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