An exhibition of specially commissioned photographs capturing the haunting beauty of Valentines Mansion and Gardens launched this week.

Justin Coombes, the mansion’s artist-in-residence, has spent the past year creating surreal and haunting photographic images of Valentines Gardens. The exhibition, called ‘Grief Tree’, features a selection of his work in large scale photographic prints and light boxes and is one of a range of events planned at Valentines Mansion over the next few months.

Cllr Alan Weinberg, portfolio holder for Leisure, says the exhibition is one of many reasons to visit Valentines Mansion this summer.

“Justin Coombes is an accomplished artist and we are very lucky to have him with us. His new exhibition is a great opportunity to visit the mansion and see his creations and I’m sure many residents will take a look this summer.”

Justin, who holds a first degree with honours in Fine Art, beat over 60 applicants to become the mansion’s first artist in residence. He started work last September when restoration of the mansion was in full swing. His early shoots reveal a fascination with the way perceptions of the past help shape the future.

“Watching the transformation of Valentines Mansion from a derelict country house into a beautiful local treasure has been a fabulous experience. I hope these images help further bring the aesthetic magnificence of Valentines to life”, he said.

Justin will be running a series of events over the summer, including a special night walk around the gardens, and a creative workshop covering a range of techniques including the use of artificial light in photography, projection and digital imaging techniques.

The exhibition runs until Sunday 6 September and forms part of a year-round calendar of events and contemporary arts programme planned by the Valentines Team.
Full programme details are available at www.valentinesmansion.com

For bookings and enquiries, please call 020 8708 8100.