A JOINT project between Ageless Opportunities, Great Yarmouth and the National Gallery in London has come to a conclusion as a group of participants travelled to the capital.

A JOINT project between Ageless Opportunities, Great Yarmouth and the National Gallery in London has come to a conclusion as a group of participants travelled to the capital.

The project, entitled The Sea began in September 2008, involved an initial set of workshops co-ordinated by Kate Platt, of Ageless Opportunities and attracting some 18 local residents.

Kate said: “They used the paintings of Turner for inspiration in their own work as budding artists. They were helped along by visiting artists from the Gallery. The workshops involved the sharing of thoughts, exchanging of ideas and experimenting with different art materials and learning techniques. The local group, given the name 'The Priory Gallery', anticipated their trip to London with a great deal of eagerness.”

The visit was organised by Andrew Nelson of the National Gallery who, together with Outreach Officer Emma Rehm, met the group upon their arrival.

Kate added: “They were welcomed by Colin Higgins, acting head of education, who treated them to a sumptuous lunch and a tour of the Gallery. This was followed by a 'talk and draw' session led by Marc Woodward, a painter and art historian who had previously come to Great Yarmouth for three of the workshops. On this occasion he had the real Turner paintings available for reference.”

She said that those taking part in the visit were highly appreciative of the opportunity it afforded them to be part of such a rich experience.

The outcomes of this project can be seen at the Priory Centre on Friday, March 27 from 10am-There will be see the display and an opportunity to view the DVD that the National Gallery made of the project as it progressed.

ends