Rural Relics

Rural Relics: Old farm buildings of Kent, Surrey and Sussex

• 9 January to 18 March, 2007

MERL held an exhibition of watercolours which documented south east Britain's changing countryside in the 1970s and 80s.

MERL will be displayed the work of artist Clifford Nickson, who concentrated on farm buildings in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, which at that time had fallen into disuse and disrepair, and which have now either disappeared or been converted into homes or offices.

Nickson's work is a fascinating insight into the changing countryside of the south east at a time when development was high. Rural scenes which have been lost forever were captured by the artist as he toured the area. Nickson's sketchbooks were also on display.

MERL was the first museum to be asked to show the paintings and played an important role in preparing the exhibition, which went on tour after its first showing at MERL. Prior to the first time display of the 30 watercolours, MERL's in-house conservator, Fred van de Geer, carried out some necessary preventive treatment. "Watercolours by their very nature are very susceptible to fading as a result of exposure to light and specifically to UV-light."he said, "The paintings were taken out of their frames and the glass was replaced by an acrylic with an inbuilt UV protection. Mounts and backing panels were replaced with inert, conservation grade materials.

Roy Brigden, Keeper of the Museum said, "We were delighted to be the inaugural host for this exhibition. The pictures are the artist's tribute to his lost love for the countryside which inspired him.