North Street Artworks Project – Destination Midhurst
The Town Council has been delighted to support this project, so let us tell you a little more about how it came about, and all those that have freely given their time and talent.
Back in March this year Midhurst resident MaryAnn Kauntze popped into the Old Library with the suggestion that if we had hoardings, we should embrace them and create a talking point for residents and visitors. Discussions took place with South Downs National Park Authority, local artists were approached, and as the gas mains needed significant attention following the fire, and the hoarding required replacement, the stars aligned.
The cost of the project has been very low, as the boards were donated, all of the artists including our signwriter volunteered their time, the costs of installation were absorbed into the cost of hoarding replacement, and the cost of closing the road had already been funded by Southern Gas Networks.
As for the artworks themselves, artists were given free rein to imagine their interpretation of Midhurst, and the surrounding landscape. And isn’t art subjective? With all of us having alternative views on which one is our favourite.
Will this make the hoardings permanent? No. We can confirm that work is underway behind the scenes to find a positive way forward. These paintings are for today, to give a different and enhancing vista to North Street, because when life gives you lemons… you know the rest.
Enjoy the paintings whilst they are there and look forward to what’s to come to return North Street to our lovely main thoroughfare.
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We would like to thank the following for their support and generosity: Austen’s Home Hardware, Best Demolition Ltd, I & G Contractors Ltd, Merritt’s of Midhurst Funeral Services Ltd, Midhurst Windows & Doors Ltd, Osborne Signs, South Downs National Park Authority, Southern Gas Networks, Steton Hoarding & Fencing, Steve Kelly, West Sussex County Council and, of course, MaryAnn Kauntze, without whom this project would not have happened!
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MaryAnn Kauntze
I fell in love with Midhurst from the moment that my husband and I moved here in 2016. Like many towns, Midhurst has sadly experienced some difficulties. That is life. However with the tragic fire, in its centre, in early 2023, the town has suffered irrevocably. Our residents and businesses have paid emotionally and financially ever since.
All of us have, within us, the ability to give, and to add and improve, and help that which is important to us. Midhurst matters and is important to me.
Being able to bring together local Artists and sponsors from some of our excellent local businesses has resulted in a community initiative to ameliorate, on a temporary basis, the appearance of our precious town.
A gallery of original works, created to make us smile and bring hope of a positive future, is a joy to see.
I do hope that the residents and local businesses will join me in thanking those who have voluntarily given their time and financial support to making life just that little bit better for us all. #destinationmidhurst
Wayne Osborne – Osborne Signs
I’m very proud of our town and have had my sign business here in Midhurst for well over 30 years, I am delighted to support and help give this amazing project an identity with some of my signwriting. I hope it brightens our blighted high street and gives this wonderful town a well needed boost and splash of colour .
wayne@osbornesigns.co.uk
Jane Donovan
Woolbeding oak
This ancient oak tree is situated in one of the National Trust fields by the river Rother. As you leave Petersfield Road just past June Lane and go through the kissing gate by the stream, the oak tree is up on the bank to the left, almost on the horizon. During the pandemic, my daily walk was a loop from Midhurst through this field to Woolbeding, over the brow of the hill and down to the river. The path emerges near the bottom of town by the bridge, and here I would cross over the causeway to Cowdray ruins and home along the wharf. This oak was a constant during a fragile time and bore witness to the changing of the seasons when nothing else was predictable.
Instagram : jane_m_donovan
Martin Knight
The inspiration for the stag picture was the school crest for the old Midhurst Grammar School and the plaque showing it is now in the entrance of Rother College.
In 1591 Queen Elizabeth 1st visited Midhurst and shot a stag with an arrow. Hence the crest.The Latin in the picture is the School Motto – “Labor Omnia Vincit “
( Work Conquers All) – hopefully true for the restoration of the Angel Hotel, and Olive and Vine buildings.
The picture “Duck Lane “was inspired by Duck Lane in Midhurst where I lived for the first three years of my life. I loved the lane and the ducks on nearby South Pond (there were far more ducks there in the past).
My work can be seen on instagram @martinwknight and @circusmidhurst
Midhurst Rother College Art Scholars 2024/25
Willow McKenzie
My board was inspired by the whimsical nature at Benbow pond. I was initially draw to the site to visit the Elizabeth Oak and on returning to my car found myself mesmerised by the diversity of nature at the ponds. All manner of bird, Black swans, goslings, fish and the greenery surrounding the pond. My attention was then drawn to the arch positioned on the far side of the pond. Which sits proudly and mysteriously, topping off the idyllic scene. I was there for a long time marvelling at it all and it became the inspiration for the work. My work normally focuses on that of portraiture; I don’t consider myself a landscape artist so decided to paint some of the most prominent elements seen at Benbow as a symbolistic mural. Therefore, my piece has become a portrait of Benbow ponds.
Instagram @Willow_mckenziie
Website https://wfamck.wixsite.com/willowmckenzie
Ziggy Simon
My art often drifts towards fantasy—we all need a bit of escapism! I love science fiction, and with H.G. Wells having studied and taught in Midhurst, it felt like the perfect fit for this project.
Hopefully Traffic lights vs Alien invasion will pose some questions to the viewer.
I also created this painting to highlight my own contribution to drawing visitors into our town and keeping Midhurst alive.
My art can be found at
Www.facebook.com/afigmentofmyillustration
Jackie Hargreaves
Summer on the South Downs
The South Downs have always felt like a very special place to be calm and reflect. The rolling hills and gentle curves that change with the light are a sheer delight. There is a sense of space and freedom in the downs that let me breathe and I wanted to capture these feelings in my painting – choosing a sunny scene to evoke a happy day.
Website: www.rosecottagegardenstudio.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiehargreavesartist/
email: jaxhar2@gmail.com
Hannah Watchorn
Midhurst North Street with its wonderful variety of dogs comes alive in history and character during Revival weekend.
Instagram – @hannahwatchornengland
Jeanette Sutton
The inspiration for my painting is the sculpture of Dante situated in the gardens of South Pond. I helped find the right spot for the sculpture, working with the artist, Philip Jackson, the Town Council and with Harvey Tordoff whose idea it was to ask Philip for a sculpture for the town. I was involved only in supporting the project but it lasted for a few years and so I wanted to celebrate the wonderful sculpture by drawing attention to it in my painting.
I hope people from all over the world will come to visit the sculpture and my painting is a tribute to both the sculpture itself and to Harvey who sadly died recently.
Ann Hollaway
I have been an equine and animal artist for 35 years, focusing on movement and dynamism rather than a photographic representation. I usually work with charcoal but with some acrylic pieces. With horses, expressing their power and movement is critical to me, and in thinking about Midhurst, its connection to Polo is an obvious one. For this site-specific piece, I wanted to create something eye catching and colourful which would be easily seen from car driving along the North Street. As an ex-Theatre Designer having the opportunity to work on a large scale again was great, and I really hope the whole installation brightens up the area around the Angel.
Facebook: Ann Hollaway – Artist
Instagram: artistincharcoal
Charlotte Langdon
Place Among the Wooded Hills: A Local Ode
Inspired by the often-overlooked wildlife that thrives in our town’s skies, hedgerows, riverbanks and waterways. This painted vista highlights some of the essential fauna we share Midhurst with.
@lottylangdon
Claudia Fleur
A wonder through the vibrant and exciting street of Midhurst looking up at a few of my favourite and most interesting buildings!
instagram – Claudia_._fleur
tiktok – claudiafleurillustration
website – claudiafleurillustration.squarespace.com
Joanna Twinn
I have been drawing so many dogs on two legs getting up to human adventures for a while. Recently these dogs had a wonderful day out exploring Midhurst – with its beautiful countryside walks, charming shops, and plenty of perfect to pause for a sustenance. It’s easy to imagine a dog’s day out here – full of character, brimming with curiosity, and a touch of whimsy.
I like Midhurst’s own stories too. HG wells sadly lost his blue plaque in the fire, from the lodgings he used to reside in. At the end of the dogs exciting day in Midhurst, tummies full, a spot of reading – some HG Wells in their own dog world!
I have tried to include items to represent the variety of shops in Midhurst. Can you spot the shops I was thinking of?
My Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/joanna.twinn
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JoannaTwinn
Jen Smith Stemp
I often walk up through the old town from my art studio down The Wharf, to grab a coffee or some lunch before getting back to painting. I love the view of all the old buildings and peak of the square and church steeple poking out above the rooftops. Every spring when the wisteria that climbs up The Spread Eagle Hotel comes into bloom, the view becomes even more beautiful. I wanted to capture that moment, the history of the architecture of Midhurst with the renewed hope of spring flowers. Plus, I have included a little canine surprise for those with eager eyes… my studio neighbour’s dog Ochre!
Tik Tok | Instagram | Facebook
Katie Netley
Destination Midhurst, to me, is about energy, diversity, and bold self-expression. I let instinct guide the colours and patterns – creating movement and joy – but also added the emerging face of the blue girl as a quiet invitation for new voices and different perspectives to be part of the town’s story. It felt important to create something playful and hopeful that reflect both where Midhurst is… and where it could go.
Beans
Like much of my work, ‘Summer’s Haven’ , was inspired by nature and all the glorious countryside and stunning scenery that surrounds Midhurst.
My style, employing mainly acrylics, is purely abstract , and the process organic, intuitive, and spontaneous, reflecting the ever changing seasons and appreciation of the natural world.
My website can be found at beansart.com
Rick Donoghue
Going for Gold
There are so many things that are unique and inspiring about Midhurst and when you drive into the town and see the gorgeous polo lawns spread out with the South Downs as a backdrop you know you can be nowhere else in the country other than this beautiful and ancient market town, we call home.
Website: www.rosecottagegardenstudio.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickdonoghueart/
email: rick.donoghue@btinternet.com
