A Malvern-based artist will hold an exhibition of drawings and paintings that look at the “layers of history and trauma” in the counties landscape.

The ‘Rain, Wind and Change’ exhibition by Bridget Macdonald will show a series of works in the South Cloister of Worcester Cathedral from May 3 to 21.

Originally inspired by Catherine Swire’s book of poems ‘Soil’, these drawings consider the “layers of history, trauma and human intervention” in the landscape of the Herefordshire/Worcestershire borders. The poet Catherine Swire is also based in Malvern.

The South Cloister of the cathedral is an atmospheric venue for Bridget’s drawings and paintings which include both landscape and figure drawings and three paintings of the Black Worcester pear.

Bridget explained: “Several drawings refer to Prince Arthur, the elder brother of Henry VIII, who died at the age of 15 at Ludlow and is buried in an exquisitely carved chantry tomb in Worcester Cathedral.

“By chance the exhibition coincides with the Coronation of Charles III, when issues of the burdens and privileges of the monarchy are particularly relevant.

“Henry VIII was the ’spare’ who inherited the throne although Prince Arthur had been groomed for the role.

“Catherine Swire’s poems also include a mention of the medieval glazier Richard Twygge, who with Thomas Wodeshawe had his workshop in the grounds of Great Malvern Priory.

“They were responsible for much of the outstanding stained glass in the Priory, and also in Little Malvern Priory.”

Bridget’s drawing 'The Malvern Master Glaziers' imagines the men at work by using contemporary craftsmen as models and contemporary young people for the doomed Prince Arthur and his Spanish bride, Catherine of Aragon.

“As is well known, after Arthur’s premature death Henry married Catherine and the consequence of that played a significant role in the history of this country,” Bridget added.

For more information visit www.bridgetmacdonald.co.uk where a turning page version can be seen under News. Please contact bridgetmacdonaldart@me.com for further information.