As a prelude to the official opening of the new Heritage Centre at the Guildhall, in Bury St Edmunds, some of the historic and artistic delights housed in the town centre building have gone on display.
They are currently being shown at the Apex, in Charter Square.
The Guildhall, which is due to open in the Summer of 2018 - houses many interesting portraits ranging from King James 1, King Charles 1 - Coat of Arms, Jankyn Smith, Thomas Bright and other notable men associated with the Guildhall Feoffment Trust and the Guildhall. The paintings are a key part of the town’s heritage, as well as the fabric of the building.
Fortunately, local residents don’t have to wait until next year to appreciate the splendour of these fine, historic pieces.
The Apex is displaying them in their upstairs gallery, exhibiting a selection of portraits, presented by the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall Project, over December and into the New Year. Not only are the paintings to be admired, but also each canvas holds a story of which is revealed within the exhibition.
James Mellish, project manager for the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall and who is running the project, said: “The exhibition at the Apex is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the marvellous paintings we have at the Guildhall, it’s a way of giving the people of Bury St Edmunds a sneak preview of ‘what’s to come’ prior to the relaunch in the Summer of 2018.”
And Joanna Rayner, St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, added: “We are thrilled and honoured to host this display of fantastic regal portraits on behalf of the Guildhall, in our gallery at the Apex.
“We have such a strong sense of our proud history and heritage here in Bury St Edmunds – and the Guildhall is integral to this wonderful story. Our residents love where they live and this is an exciting taster of what is to come when Bury St Edmunds’ latest visitor attraction opens next year.”
The free exhibition officially opened today (Tuesday, December 5) and runs until Sunday, January 28.
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