The Beauty of Diversity

This exhibition is curated by the Women's Group of the Harbour Project. Over four sessions, participants learnt about Swindon's art collection, and selected works which resonated with them. They each wrote down words and phrases to describe what they enjoyed and felt about their selected artworks. The exhibition title was chosen by a member of the group, and reflects the variety of artworks chosen, and the diverse perspectives offered.

The Harbour Project aids refugees and asylum seekers across Swindon, providing friendship, advice and hope for visitors to our town. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has been excited to work with a group that has bought different voices and fresh perspectives to Swindon's art collection.

Artists featured in this Curation: Kathleen Williams, Lucian Freud (1922–2011), Roy Bizley (1930–1999), Desmond Morris (b.1928), Harold Dearden (1888–1962), F. W. Salvage and Eileen Cooper (b.1953)

7 artworks

Storyline Album Showcase

Refugee

Reflections on Refugee:

An image of loss, sadness and bravery.
Refugee 1943
Kathleen Williams (active c.1920–1959)
Oil on canvas
H 59.5 x W 49.7 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
Girl with a Fig Leaf

Reflections on Girl with Fig Leaf:

I see wonder in her eyes, and I remember my hometown because of the fig leaf.

Specific Look
Shyness
Technique
Girl with a Fig Leaf 1947
Lucian Freud (1922–2011)
Etching on paper
H 30 x W 24 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
Victoria Road, Swindon, Wiltshire

Reflections on Victoria Road, Swindon:

This painting makes me feel I want to be transported to the past. I really like the dress and outfits of the people. Also, the use of bright colours on canvas is very professional and attractive.

Heartwarming
Realistic
Nostalgic
Victoria Road, Swindon, Wiltshire 1950s
Roy Bizley (1930–1999)
Oil on canvas
H 71 x W 91 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© the artist's estate. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
Girl Selling Flowers

Reflections on Girl Selling Flowers:

Bright
Powerful
Bold
Girl Selling Flowers 1946
Desmond Morris (b.1928)
Oil on board
H 73 x W 88 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© Desmond Morris. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
Central Library, Swindon, Wiltshire

Reflections on Central Library, Swindon:

History
Colours and shadows
It feels to me that it is a pretty day.
Central Library, Swindon, Wiltshire c.1960
Harold Dearden (1888–1962)
Oil on canvas
H 44.5 x W 44.5 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
The Italian Garden, the Lawn, Swindon, Wiltshire

Reflections on The Italian Garden:

The seasons in England heading for winter.

Windy
Sunny
Strong
The Italian Garden, the Lawn, Swindon, Wiltshire
F. W. Salvage (active 1974)
Oil on canvas
H 39 x W 48.7 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon
Separate Ways

Reflections on Separate Ways:

Many people suffer silently in relationships.
Separate Ways 1991
Eileen Cooper (b.1953)
Charcoal on paper
H 166.2 x W 126.3 cm
Museum & Art Swindon

© Eileen Cooper / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: Museum & Art Swindon