[A]namorphic painting is a way of playing with perspective and perception. It is a form of art that dates back to the 1500s.
This exhibition playfully experiments with the use of a 17th century curiosity called the ‘magic mirror’.
The magic mirror belongs to the world of curiosities and was considered to be a miracle of art with the secret being jealously guarded. The magic mirror was known as a wonder, an enigma and a marvel of science and art combined.
This series of artworks exploring perception and reality were sparked by a challenge from John Birkby, Father to artist Marianne Birkby.
During the 1960s through to the 80’s former Sellafield worker John Birkby collected his own cabinet of curiosities with the Museum of Mechanical Music and Curiosities which was based at Rusland Hall in the South Lakes The “dare ” challenge made jokingly from Marianne’s father two years ago. was to create a drawing using the magic mirror technique.
“Maths is not my strong point so the challenge from my Dad to create an artwork using the magic mirror was a proper challenge but one that I felt compelled to try. This exhibition is the result of that jokingly made ‘Dare.”
Marianne Birkby Biography
Marianne’s childhood was largely spent in the Rusland valley in the South Lakes where a keen interest in the natural world was developed. As well as private commissions and exhibitions the publishing portfolio includes children’s books such as “Wildlife in the Country” published by Random House and “Dodo Who” published by Kendal Museum Publishing. Several academic institutions in the UK requested the comic book ‘Hot’ written and illustrated by Marianne as part of the Wastwater Chronicles series.
Exhibitions include:
- 2008 The Wildlife Society International, Nature in Art (Award Winner)
- 2009 Other Creatures– solo exhibition -‐ Kendal Museum
- 2010 The Big Inspiration -‐ Town Trail and Exhibition -‐ Kendal
- 2011 The Green Man and The Natural World -‐ solo exhibition, Signature Gallery, Kendal
- 2012 Rock Solid? Kendal Museum
- 2013 The Great Dodo Exhibition -‐ Kendal Museum
- 2014 Solo Exhibition Rydal Hall
Commissions include:
- 2006 Fair Isle Bird Observancy Trust
- 2007 The National Trust -‐ Panoramic View of Tarn Hows
- 2008 The National Trust -‐ Interpretation of Water Life
- 2009 Kendal Museum -‐ Diorama Restoration
- 2010 Derwent Pencils – New Ranges Publicity
- 2011 Kendal Town Council – Interpretation for Serpentine Woods
- 2012 Rydal Hall – Green Energy interpretation panel
- 2014 St Mary’s Church Interpretation Panel
- 2015 Anamorphic Portraits, private commissions
- 2018 Green Energy Interpretation Panels, Rydal Hall
Kendal Museum opening times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) £2 Telephone 01539 815597
