Ken’s art is bringing Stratford’s history to life
BRINGING history to life is the theme of a solo art exhibition by Stratford artist Ken Morgan this weekend at Stratford Railway Station.
Called Stratford Now and Then, the free two-day free exhibition takes place from Saturday, 31st August to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm each day, and features the town’s historic buildings.
Ken, 77, has committed his life to art since retiring. Formerly a chartered surveyor, he spent over 50 years in working in construction where, as a draughtsman, he also harnessed his drawing skills.
His love of art dates back to his school days.
“Art was always my best subject at school,” explained Ken. “I did it for A-level before going on to study at art college in Stafford. I’ve always been interested in buildings which are in my blood so combining the two was perfect for me.
“I use a little blackbird on paintings, it’s like a signature for me - Whistler used a butterfly in his work. I’ve painted over 20 historic buildings like Havard House and buildings in Sheep Street, but my favourite is a two storey gazebo in the garden of what was once Marie Corelli’s house in Church Street.
“I like to bring in the odd quirky character in my pictures as well. I will be at work at the exhibition so anyone visiting can see what I do and I’ll happily talk to them about my work,” said Ken.
In 2023, Ken produced some delightful watercolour images when he illustrated the children’s book Don't Eat Me! by Stratford authors Bethan Sennett and her mother Beryl Anne Hughes and it centres around the dilemma faced by Lemi the lizard who can’t eat his intended snack because they cry out - don’t eat me!
And of course his humorous cartoons depicting the quirky side of life have appeared in the Stratford Herald previously.
This weekend’s exhibition is a collaboration with The Friends of The Shakespeare Line and also coincides with a visit by the vintage Shakespeare Express steam train.
Fraser Pithie, chair of The Friends of The Shakespeare Line was awarded the title Coronation Champion by the Royal Voluntary Service in 2023 and the opportunity to hold the exhibition is due to his recommendation about Ken’s work to his fellow volunteers at the Shakespeare Line, and the hands-on assistance of Neill Ewart who manages the community hub room at Stratford station.
“I actually do love doing what I’m doing,” added Ken. “It inspires me and it motivates me. So if anyone likes old buildings, old trains and old artists they may find this exhibition interesting. Art gives me a positive outlook and I never say no to anyone or anything.
