From The Waterfront 2015

Local Sailor artists and photographers return to the Regent for the seventh annual Exhibition by the Christchurch Sailing Club Art & Photographic Group at the Centre from Saturday 21 March – Friday 10 April.

The exhibition is entitled From The Waterfront 2015, reflecting the coastal, river and boating subjects that are associated with the Sailing Club and the town itself. Other subjects on display in the exhibition will include landscapes, portraiture, floral arrangements and animal studies. In addition there will be some examples of photography which is becoming increasingly popular at the Club’s Art & Photographic Group, which was founded eleven years ago to give members an outlet for their artistic talents during the winter months.

The Club’s Art Group is led by Howard Mackensie-Cook with local dinghy sailor, professional artist and frame maker, Frank Tyhurst and Mike Gardner with support from fellow professional artists, Pam Bedford and Joyce Lawrence, whilst the Photographic Group is led by cruiser sailor and professional lensman, Roger Allen, who also taught Photography at Twynham School. Their work ranged from the latest digital photography to making a pinhole camera. “It’s all very friendly and relaxed and we draw on each other for inspiration” said Frank.

Christchurch Sailing Club’s location on the River Stour near the confluence with the River Avon, is an inspiration to artists. Its views of the town’s picturesque quay and harbour are unsurpassed.

The Sailing Club was founded in 1874, making it Christchurch’s oldest sporting club and it is also one of the oldest “non-Royal” sailing clubs in the UK. It is a popular base for family cruisers, Topper dinghies, favoured by the younger members, and the high performance Finn class, for which the Club has twice hosted the National Championships. It is also home to the quaint-looking Avon Scows.