Magical Realms: Nature, Myth & Imagination

Magical Realms: Nature, Myth & Imagination brings together the work of Consuelo Child-Villiers and Simon Tarrant, two artists whose friendship and artistic dialogue has spanned over three decades. Their paintings, though rooted in distinct personal visions, find resonance in shared fascinations: the mysteries of the natural world, the enduring power of myth, and the boundless terrain of the imagination.

In this exhibition, their realms meet. Creatures emerge that are both familiar and otherworldly, landscapes unfold between dream and reality, and identities shift and expand beyond ordinary boundaries. What unites their work is not only subject matter, but a deep sense of collaboration, trust, and mutual inspiration — a testament to the ways in which art and friendship can intertwine, evolve, and endure.

Consuelo Child-Villiers and Simon Tarrant have developed their own distinctive artistic languages while maintaining a long-standing creative dialogue. Both are known for richly imaginative work that bridges the boundaries between natural forms, mythology, and the dreamlike realms of the subconscious.

Simon Tarrant is an Irish/British self-taught artist based in Hampshire. Working primarily in oils, he explores themes of nature and the cosmos through paintings on glass, canvas, and mixed media. His practice encompasses both vibrant landscapes and Richterian abstractions, often using experimental techniques such as oil-on-glass mono-printing.

Born to an English Father and Italian/Spanish Mother. Consuelo Child-Villiers trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy where she studied Sculpture and Painting, followed by History of Art at Christies Fine Arts in London. Consuelo has exhibited her work extensively in London, New York, Italy and the South of France. Her work has been acquired by various private collectors throughout Europe and the US.

Free

10am to 5pm

Thursday 19 March, 7pm – 7:45pm (Doors open 6pm)

A Sonic Encounter – Evening Concert

An immersive evening concert featuring harpist Catrin Finch and composer-musician Nick Ellis, responding live to the themes of the exhibition. The evening also includes a private view of the exhibition.

A percentage of sales from the evening will be donated to the vision-loss charity Fight for Sight.

Admission: Free, advance registration required.