January 2008 - The Over-the-Sofa Gallery in the Bookshop in Wivenhoe have managed to squeeze an exciting mixed media exhibition into (possibly) the smallest gallery in the world!

Each Summer, for the past fifteen years, the Backyard group of artists have shown work together in a garden in the village of Rowhedge, initially at Quay House on the waterfront, but more recently at the home of the sculptor, David Piercy, in Parkfield Street.

At the outset the group were all based at Rowhedge, but it now includes artists from further afield, and from a number of different disciplines. Members of the group work in a variety of media – paint, print, photography, wood, stone, stained glass, clay and textiles.

They are a disparate group but all have a commitment to making work, to supporting and inspiring each other, and growing through their work. Their name reflects the fact that most of them work at home in small spaces, juggling the activity with looking after families and earning a living.

The exhibition runs from 3rd January to 31st January 2008.

Ginny Waters