A stunning new exhibition, ‘Found in the Fields’, has recently opened in Wisbech Gallery, featuring the work of renowned artist Carry Akroyd, who has been inspired by the poetry of John Clare.

Carry Akroyd is a painter and printmaker, and her artwork primarily features the arable landscape. While observing intensification in farming practices toward the end of the twentieth century, Carry discovered the poetry of John Clare, who wrote about the agricultural changes in his locality near Peterborough 200 years ago. This introduction to his poetry triggered a seam of work that has accompanied her for thirty years and these artworks are now available to view right here in Wisbech.

The Blackfield Creatives team, who manage Wisbech Gallery, have worked with the artist to create a beautiful exhibition of more than 70 artworks, which includes a series of pieces that incorporate quotations from Clare’s poems. There are also several black and white linocut illustrations that feature in three books of Clare’s poetry, together with more recent works created by the artist.  Many of the artworks are available to buy, and there are prints, books and artcards on sale too in the Gallery retail space.

Visitors to the Exhibition Preview Event were able to meet Carry and hear her recital of several of Clare’s poems and the Gallery team are already receiving fantastic feedback, such as ‘Excellent exhibition of work – the link with John Clare is fascinating’ and ‘Wonderful exhibition – delighted that Wisbech has a space like this’.  If you would like to view this impressive exhibition, visit the Wisbech Gallery on South Brink, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. The exhibition runs until Saturday 5th April 2025 and entry is free.

For more information, visit the Blackfield Creatives website at: www.blackfieldcreatives.com