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Artworks from Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery have been loaned to Tate Britain

12:00, 18 July 2014

An art gallery in Kent has loaned pieces to a a brand new exhibition being held at Tate Britain.

The artwork from Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery has helped form the British Folk Art exhibition in the South London venue.

Among the remarkable objects in this first display of folk art are objects from Tunbridge Wells including a patchwork quilt of over 10,000 individuals pieces, said to be the work of a soldier or soldiers wounded in the Crimean War.

A patchwork quilt of over 10,000 individual pieces, said to be the work of a soldier or soldiers wounded in the Crimean War has been leant to the Tate
A patchwork quilt of over 10,000 individual pieces, said to be the work of a soldier or soldiers wounded in the Crimean War has been leant to the Tate

Other items include an embroidered map sampler of England and Wales by Fanny Fry in 1784 and pictures by George Smart (1775-1845), the tailor of Frant who created and sold artworks, particularly portraits of local ‘characters’, made from textile scraps.

Council cabinet member Jane March said: "I am honoured to have been part of the team that has helped Tate Britain to put on this exhibition.

The Goose Woman, George Smart, 1820-40
The Goose Woman, George Smart, 1820-40

"We have identified folk art objects that have been hidden away because we do not have the space to exhibit them.

"I would encourage people to visit Tate Britain and relish the contribution from Tunbridge Wells, especially the area dedicated to George Smart as one of the four named artists in the exhibition."

Old Bright The Postman, George Smart, 1830
Old Bright The Postman, George Smart, 1830

The event will run at Tate Britain until Sunday August 31.

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