THE opening of the next exhibition at the Museum in the Park’s art gallery will be marked with a rare ‘preview’ of the Museum’s Walled Garden, a chance for members of the public to see how this special place is being transformed.

Although the garden is not open to the public yet, on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July only, between 2pm and 4pm, the museum will open the doors onto this wonderful space.

This special ‘preview’ of the garden is organised to coincide with the opening of an exhibition of paintings and drawings by local artist Bob Davison.

Bob was fascinated by botany as a child and his art evolves from a keen interest in nature, science and landscape.

Much of his work is abstract, attempting to show how we perceive things: details and contrasts seen in garden borders and Cotswold landscapes become striking combinations of colours, marks and shapes.

On 2nd and 3rd July, Bob will be showing paintings in the new Garden Pavilion as well as inside the art gallery.

This new building, designed by local architects David Austin & Associates, is a dedicated learning and education space already being used by many local schools who visit the museum.

The striking, glass-fronted construction overlooks the newly planted garden borders which are only just beginning to grow, offering a tantalising glimpse of the future delights the Walled Garden will offer.

‘We’re very pleased to be able to show Bob’s work in conjunction with this rare public ‘preview’ of the garden,’ said Ann Taylor, Museum Learning Programmes Officer. ‘Much of the work on display stems from observations in his garden just outside Stroud, and reminds us that gardens and nature offer endless sources of inspiration and enjoyment.’

In recent weeks, volunteers have been hard at work behind the garden walls, concentrating on planting out the new garden borders and keeping up with weeding, weeding and even more weeding.

Thanks to the creative vision of local artist-gardener Cleo Mussi, a striking planting plan has been devised which will eventually fill the garden with swathes of glorious colour.

‘Many people have generously donated plants in order to make this stage of the garden project possible’ said Ann Taylor.

‘But we still have a long ‘wishlist’ of plants we’d love to acquire. We’d be delighted if members of the public can help by donating plants and bringing them to the garden on 2nd and 3rd July.’ For a copy of the Walled Garden planting wishlist and details of how you can help, please email the Museum at museum@stroud.gov.uk or ask at reception next time you visit.

‘Borders’, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Bob Davison, shows at the Museum in the Park from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 31st July.