Kurt Jackson: Lymington River at St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery

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Kurt Jackson: Lymington River
17 January – 14 March

St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to present Kurt Jackson: Lymington River, a new exhibition by one of Britain's leading contemporary artists. The exhibition features some sixty paintings tracing the river's journey from its beginnings in the heart of the New Forest to the crowded waters of the Solent shore. Jackson's atmospheric work captures the river's changing character and moods as weather and seasons change.

Rivers have long been central to Jackson's practice, inspiring him to follow their courses and respond to their distinct characters. His connection with the Lymington River began in the early 1980s during visits to the New Forest, later deepened through trips with his wife, Caroline. One of his earliest works from this landscape, Bird Song, Lymington River, Winter Woodland, 2005, now forms part of the St Barbe collection.

Most of the works in the exhibition were created en plein air, directly beside - and some times within - the river itself. Jackson's process captures the raw immediacy of shifting light, weather, water levels and wildlife, reflecting the intimate dialogue he builds with each location. This new series reveals the river's unexpectedly diverse topography and its quiet solitude, even within one of the most densely populated parts of the country.

In discussing the project, Kurt Jackson said:
"All rivers are in dire straits in these times… they are the canary in the coal mine. Yet I was struck by the Lymington River's refreshingly healthy condition and rich biodiversity. For such a populated area, it was surprisingly easy to be alone - just me and the river - and to find the varied, immersive material that fuels my work."

Jackson's reflections also carry a wider environmental message, highlighting the urgent ecological pressures facing rivers across the UK. His paintings become both a celebration of the Lymington River's resilience and a reminder of its vulnerability. Kurt Jackson: Lymington River continues St Barbe's commitment to presenting art that connects deeply with place, landscape and community. This exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the river through the eyes of an artist who has spent decades listening to its rhythms.

Exhibition Dates: 17 January – 14 March
Location: St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery, Lymington