ART HISTORIAN COMES TO WILTSHIRETO CHALLENGE THE ALLEGED RIVALRY BETWEEN TURNER & CONSTABLE.
Art historian, Nicola Moorby, will be a keynote speaker as part of the Athelstan Museum’s events in Malmesbury to mark 250 years since the birth of painter JMW Turner.
Nicola, curator of British Art 1790 to 1850 at the Tate, will host ‘Turner vs Constable: The Great British Paint Off’, at the Rausing Building in Malmesbury on Friday May 9 at 7:30pm. She’ll talk about the alleged rivalry and animosity between two of the most famous artists of the early 19th century.
‘I’m thrilled to be able to talk to anyone in Wiltshire and beyond interested in this period of art. In particular in a town that’s home to one of Turner’s works.
‘There’s long been talk of a rivalry between Turner and Constable. Two contemporary landscape specialists with very different personalities. But was it real? Turner was more famous in his lifetime than Constable. But was this fabled rivalry proven or even accurate?’
ART HISTORIAN COMES TO WILTSHIRE – Nicola Moorby
Nicola, who lives in London has recently published her first solo book. Called Turner and Constable: Art, Life, Landscape (Yale University Press, 2025), it explores this relationship. She’s also the curator of Turner’s Kingdom: Beauty, Birds & Beasts, an exhibition at Turner’s house in Twickenham.
She’s reluctant to declare a winner of the alleged contest between Turner & Constable. Yet she admits:
‘For me, Turner is the greatest water colour painter. Water colour paints shift and change when applied to paper. And nobody worked with them with the genius and facility of Turner.’
The Athelstan Museum
The Athelstan Museum is home to a watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey by Turner thought to have been painted in about 1827. The museum acquired it with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Art Fund and some public donation. It went on public display a year later.
Carolyn Brothwood, who manages the museum’s events, said: ‘We’re so delighted that Nicola will talk to us about Turner and Constable. And will demonstrate her passion for this period of art. As one of the leading art historians on artists of the 18th and early 19th centuries, we know she’ll share her passion and knowledge with us.
Turner was born in London in April 1775 the son of a barber. He came from humble beginnings and went on to become the most famous artist of his era. In addition to becoming a Royal Academician at the youngest age ever, he was also well known as an illustrator of poetry books for famous names including Lord Byron, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Rogers. He was one of the first artists to use water colour as a primary medium for his work and he later became known as ‘the painter of light.’
Nicola said: ‘If I were to meet Turner today, I probably wouldn’t ask him about particular works. I’d be more likely to ask about his life and what his experiences were. He was a very private man. We know so little about him compared to Constable who left so many letters and writings detailing his thoughts and feelings.’
Victorian Cemetery Chapel Consultation. Malmesbury Town Council is to stage two open days and public meeting. The future of the old Victorian chapel in Malmesbury is in the spotlight. And Malmesbury Town Council are asking for ideas on how the community could use it.
Located in front of the cemetery on Tetbury Hill, the chapel dates back to the 1880s as a non-denominational place of worship, for small services.
Victorian Cemetery Chapel Consultation
In recent years it has fallen into disuse and closed to the public. But now Malmesbury Town Council wants to breathe new life into the historic building.
Councillors are hoping the chapel could once again find a use for funeral and interment services. And also be available more widely for community groups.
Open days
The Town Council is running two open days at the chapel, to give people the chance to look around, ask questions, and come up with suggestions. These will be on Saturday April 12, from 11am to 2pm, and on Wednesday April 16, from 5.30-7.30pm.
Then on Wednesday May 28 from 7-8pm, the Town Hall will be the venue for a public meeting. That’s to discuss ideas and feedback from the open days, which will help the council develop its plans for the chapel.
The stone chapel, which isn’t listed, is about 30 feet long and 16 feet wide, and contains period features, including a wooden vaulted ceiling.
Cllr Ian Wallis, who sits on Malmesbury Town Council’s Burial Committee, said: ‘It’s a beautiful building, that’s been part of the history of the town for around 140 years. But it’s fallen into disuse, and it would be nice to make it into a functional space again.
We’ve written to all the local churches and funeral directors and have had a very positive response to the idea of having the chapel available when there are burials and interments.
A little over a year ago, there was a survey to discover what work would need doing to make the chapel useable again. The building is structurally sound, but will need some restoration, redecoration and other works.
Swindon business owner, Sean Harper running London Landmarks half marathon for Swindon charity, Best Mates on Sunday, 6th April. That’s a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals through difficult times. Sean, co-founder of Just For Fun Holiday Club, has always been passionate about giving back to the community. Having already raised funds while running the London Marathon in 2024, he’s now focusing his efforts on Best Mates. This is a cause that holds deep personal significance.
‘I’m running for Best Mates because they’ve done so much to support a friend and his family over the past year,’ Sean said. ‘In the first instance, we planned to take on this challenge together. But due to unforeseen circumstances, my friends are unable to run. That only made me more determined to do this and contribute to such a worthy cause.’
Sean Harper Running London Landmarks – Sean Harper, founder of For Fun Holiday Club, running the London Marathon in 2024.
About Best Mates
Best Mates, founded by Jeff Tucker and Carl McCulloch, provides vital emotional and practical support to individuals facing hardship. Their peer-to-peer support model connects people in difficult circumstances with a ‘Best Mate’. Someone who understands what they are going through.
Carl, co-founder of Best Mates, expressed his gratitude for Sean’s efforts and said “Sean’s dedication to our cause is so inspiring. By raising awareness and funds, he’s helping us continue providing vital support to those who need it most. We’re so grateful and will be cheering him on every step of the way.’
Sean’s running journey began two years ago when he signed up for the London Marathon, driven by a desire to regain fitness after stepping away from football. Reflecting on his experience, he described the marathon as ‘the best individual thing I’ve ever done.’ Since then, he’s embraced running as part of his lifestyle, improving both his physical health and mental well-being.
While he’s running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for charity, Sean has also signed up for the Manchester Marathon purely for personal achievement. ‘I wasn’t happy with my time in the London Marathon, so I’m looking forward to improving my performance.’
Sean aims to raise £1,000 for Best Mates through his participation in the half marathon. Supporters can contribute to his fundraising efforts via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sean-harper-1
Coate Water Mini Golf – a much-loved activity – and not long now to the summer season.
Last summer I had my Surrey-based granddaughter staying with me for a few days. In an action-packed week, we took in the Roman Baths (in Bath #Obvs) Museum and Art Swindon(a big hit) and the mini-golf at Coate Water. The latter only recently re-opened after being closed since the pandemic. And gosh what an excellent pretext for closing, or rather failing to reopen, leisure and cultural facilities that was!
Now, I’ve been in Swindon over thirty years and recall taking my daughter (mummy of said granddaughter) to the self-same mini-golf. And that got me wondering just how old the facility is. A quick tweet (it’s still Twitter to me – and how do you send an X anyway?) to Local Studies produced the answer. They have in their files a copy of Thamesdown News (I love browsing old issues of that now sadly extinct publication) that states that, in 1975, Swindon’s mayor of the time performed the opening ceremony of Swindon’s mini-golf.
So that means that the mini-golf at Coate Water is FIFTY years old this year! That’s surely a cause for cake on the course?!
Coate Water Mini Golf in 1975 – image from Local Studies
What’s in a name?
Quite a lot as it turns out. And what it turns out is that the term ‘crazy-golf’ formed a bone of contention for one Swindonian at least. Back in April of 2011, the Swindon Advertiser reported a council worker feeling aggrieved at the eponymous golf facility now being referred to as ‘crazy’ rather than ‘mini’ golf. His sentiment being, that one might consider the term offensive to those suffering from mental health issues. He told the Adver ‘I was always happy that the council always called its small course ‘mini golf’. All literature concerning this course has always referred to it as ‘mini golf’ in the six years I’ve worked there.
‘I went to work a month ago and found that ‘mini’ had been crossed out on a lot of the signage and ‘crazy’ written in its place. I was offended and insulted by this.
“To say it makes me very sad to see would be an understatement.’
‘ … I must find words and make a plea for people like me, who for years have innocently referred to their ‘crazy paving’ garden paths.
Not wanting to cause offence to Mr Battman, or anybody else who may have mental health issues, I’ve tried to find appropriate terminology for my botanical pathway.
“Irregularly-shaped” paving should do, I thought. But what about all those sensitive people with irregular physical shapes? …’
Anyway, the SBC website refers to it thus: ‘Our 18-hole pitch and putt and 18-hole crazy golf are perfect for a fun round of golf.’
Nomenclature aside, I’m happy to report that the child concerned had a blast playing (for that read cheating) her way around the course. And that despite its lack of Arnold Palmeresque lighthouses and waterwheels. Just goes to show that kids don’t need all the bells and whistles to have a good time.
The course has had a bit of TLC. I recall seeing holes/tears in the tarmac some time ago but they’d been repaired. It costs £4.60 for a round of crazy/mini golf. And – bonus – the hut is now selling ice-cream. Brilliant for a half-way or end of game refreshment if you don’t want to walk all the way down to the café.
How it all began – in the UK at least
So, if ours here in Swindon is pushing half a century, I got to pondering on how old is the oldest mini-golf in the UK. Rather a lot older than I imagined as it happens. This Putterfingers blog informs us that the oldest miniature golf course in existence is at St Andrew’s in Scotland. They formed the Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews in 1867 as a members-only green for women golfers.
The club took this step as they deemed it improper (of course they did) for a lady to ‘take the club back past their shoulder’. But a bit of demure putting was permissible. Not chauvinistic and patronising at all.
Anyway, while this course featured a distinct absence of windmills and other kitsch obstacles this particular green was and still is one of the most prestigious of its kind.
The 1930s saw another early mini-golf course on the rooftop of Selfridge’s department store in London.
Swindon Open Studios Final Call for All Artists & Creatives – 31st March.
Time is running out! The deadline is midnight on Monday 31st March for anyone wishing to register for the 2025 Swindon Open Studios (SOS) Community Art event this September.
There’s 18 spaces left for artists who don’t have a dedicated studio or workshop here. People who WORKwithin 15 miles of Swindon’s town centre are welcome to apply. They can join one of several Pop-Up exhibitions around Swindon.
There’s 18 spaces left for artists who don’t have a dedicated studio or workshop here. People who WORK within 15 miles of Swindon’s town centre are welcome to apply. They can join one of several Pop-Up exhibitions around Swindon.
This 21st Open Studios event is FREE to the public and takes place the last two weekends of September.
Open Studios Final Call – Michelle Whitmore
Ethos
The main ethos is for artists to open their studios, workshops and creative spaces. This lets visitors understand where the creative magic happens and ask about techniques and processes, as well as see an artist’s life’s work. It’s particularly fascinating to see how an artist’s interests, chosen themes and colour palettes evolve over time. Think Pablo Picasso’s Blue period!
Yet, sometimes it’s not practical for an artist to have visitors going into their private, creative space. It might not be big enough, parking may be difficult or perhaps they have a pet that doesn’t like strangers.
Chair of the voluntary Committee Anna Enright says ‘Offering small pop-up exhibitions with a handful of artists removes barriers to entry. So we’re totally inclusive. Visitors get to see a wider range of wonderful creations that are otherwise hidden. It’s often affordable original art which is unique. And so much more special because its produced locally.’
Some very high-calibre work is on display. For example, photographer and digital artist Michelle Whitmore has won two international awards with the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers in the Portrait and Illustrative Print sections. Michelle liaises with the artists and says ‘A very successful campaign has attracted several first-time exhibitors. And we’re thrilled to welcome them to our friendly community of professional, hobby and amateur artists. So far, we’ve had 66 entries so it might be the biggest ever SOS event and art trail yet for visitors to enjoy exploring!’
Seven pop up venues still have spaces available including:
Artsite
Great Moorleaze Farm
Richard Jefferies Museum
STEAM
Stratton Juniors FC, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery
and The Wyvern Theatre.
To book one of these spaces, be quick! Four other venues are already full! To apply you will need a hi-resolution square image of recent work and a means of paying online.
Work by Stephanie CosgroveFox – Jason RichardsonLydiard House – Colin May
