Since its launch at the beginning of June, the new photographic exhibition by the Valentines inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Justin Coombes has had a great response from visitors to the mansion.

‘Grief Tree’ features a selection of Justin’s work - a collection of surreal and haunting photographic images of Valentines Gardens. The work is displayed as large scale photographic prints and light boxes.

Visitors have been voting for their favourite image, and this has evoked mixed responses from the public, with many people unable to choose a winner. One visitor commented “They are all good! I would have any one of these in my house!” However, ‘East of Eden’ has a slight lead at the moment and will soon be available in the mansions gift shop as a postcard.

Another visitor described the exhibition as “provoking, questioning delightful”, whilst another went on to say “A pleasant change for Redbridge to have challenging art on display.”

Grief Tree will remain on display in The Gallery at Valentines mansion until Sunday 6 September. Justin’s residence will also see him lead a number of talks, tours and workshops. ‘A Night Walk’ will take place on Thursday 16 July in which Justin will lead a walk around the gardens, describing how he shaped and created his own vision of Valentines.

As part of the Valentines holiday activities programme, the ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ workshop for 11-16 year olds will see Justin teaching participants about artificial lighting and creative camera techniques. A limited number of spaces are available for these classes which take place on Wednesday 26 August - for more information call 020 708 8100 or visit the ‘What’s on’ page.

Valentines Mansion is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Entry to the mansion is free.