Stonehenge: from the track that Descends from Normanton Ridge by Philip Hughes (2011). Acrylic on paper© Francis Kyle Gallery
It’s easy to stand in awe of the ancient sites the Ridgeway, Avebury and Stonehenge landscape is dotted with. Philip Hughes has tried to channel some of its mythological history into his paintings of the glorious plains surrounding the museum, taking emotional and physical journeys across different seasons and times of day, spanning 50 years of drawings, oil works and sketchbook studies to convey both the beauty of the area and the effect it has on strollers.
Many of the tracks he follows have been carved into the ground over the course of centuries, slaloming across archaeological routes on terrain which seems to constantly change. Through topographical observations and re-appraisals of his works in the light of his feelings while he made them, Hughes aims to expand our understanding of a corner of England as old as time.
- Open 10am-5pm. Admission £6/£2 (family ticket £12). Follow the museum on Twitter @SalisburyMuseum.
