Just a short bike ride along the river from Cambridge you’ll find Fen Ditton Gallery, an inviting space run by artist/photographer Lotte Attwood and daughter Hannah Munby. Housed in a converted Victorian National School Building, the contemporary gallery, with its high ceiling, soft grey walls and feature window - bathing the room in natural light – is elegance personified. And unlike some galleries, which can feel intimidating, this is a welcoming place in a domestic setting; it’s actually located in Lotte’s home!
Formerly the Lynne Strover Gallery, the handsome building underwent restoration in 2018, with guidance from independent curator Amanda Game and Brocklehurst Architects. Amanda then worked with Lotte and Hannah, developing the concept and programme for the gallery. They launched May 2018 with the exhibition Borderlands - works by silversmith Simone ten Hompel and Lotte’s own striking black and white photographs.
Subsequent exhibitions have showcased the best of contemporary art and design, bringing together artists across different disciplines (painting, tapestry, ceramics, sculpture), inspired by a variety of themes, from vibrant colours (International Blues; Japanese ceramics, tapestry and printmaking) to an appreciation of the natural environment (Trees Observed; celebrating the work of ecologist Oliver Rackham OBE and The Woodland Trust). Passionate about nature, the gallery team donated a percentage of their commission to The Woodland Trust, and similarly with their Birds exhibition, Birdlife International (based at Cambridge’s David Attenborough building) will benefit.
There are not one but two great exhibitions on at Fen Ditton Gallery this month. First up Modern Art for Modern Living (to 22 September )shows us that in an era of technology, the inherent importance of art in our lives is ever-more apparent. Then Land Lines ( 27 September - 20 October ) welcomes back artist photographer Paul Hart to the gallery, exhibiting alongside the work of two photographers he has selected - American documentary photographer, Mark Steinmetz and landscape photographer, the late Fay Godwin.
Looking ahead, there’s an exciting exhibition programme planned, changing monthly, featuring well-known and up-and-coming artists, from around the world. There’ll also be informal talks to help engage art with a wider audience.
Hannah, who has a background in marketing and communications within the arts sector, manages the gallery, while Lotte and Mandy curate, bringing a fresh and inspiring roster of artists to this most versatile space.
Fen Ditton Gallery
23 High Street, Fen Ditton CB5 8ST
Telephone 07843724397
www.fendittongallery.com
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