The Worcester Exhibition

An Exhibition of "Fine Arts, Industries, and Historical Objects" was opened on Tuesday at Worcester, being quite a county affair, under the presidency of the Lord Lieutenant, Earl Beauchamp, supported by the Worcestershire noblemen and gentlemen, as well us by the Mayors and civic corporations of Worcester, Kidderminster, Evesham, Dudley, Droitwich, and Bewdley. The Mayor of Worcester, Lieutenant-Colonel W. Stallard, is Chairman of the directing Committee, and the authorities and public of that city have used their best efforts to promote the success of this laudable undertaking. A large and handsome building on Shrub Hill, formerly designed for the business of some ironworks, was secured, and £2000 has been spent on its adaptation to its new purpose. It is in convenient proximity to the Worcester Central Railway Station. It has been divided into four courts, at the north end of which is raised a gallery capable of holding 200 persons, with an organ in the centre. The floor of the nave is occupied by statuary, flower-beds, and space for a promenade. At night it will be lit up with the electric light inside and out, and gas has also been laid down to use in case of necessity. One of the courts is devoted exclusively to the fine arts, which are not limited to the works of local artists, but embrace the old masters and modern paintings as well as statuary. Among the pictures are master-pieces of Landseer, Holman Hunt, and several landscapes by the local artist, B.W. Leader. In the industrial exhibits Worcester china forms a prominent feature, and the stand of the Worcester Royal porcelain work is replete with the choicest productions of ceramic art. There are also other products, for which the county of Worcester has earned celebrity. The history of the county is also illustrated pictorially and by the exhibition of ancient charters. The exhibition will be kept open for three months.

Source: The Illustrated London News, No.2255—Vol. LXXXI, Saturday, July 22, 1882, p.100