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LETTERS: Creativity inspires our inner child

Editor: I pottered into White Rock Museum last month, as a snotty pseudo-artist, a Brit spoilt by treasuries of magnificent art collections…
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A wall of local children’s paintings was a highlight of an hour-long museum tour by letter-writer Andrew King.

Editor:

I pottered into White Rock Museum last month, as a snotty pseudo-artist, a Brit spoilt by treasuries of magnificent art collections, central London, the treasure trove, rich art, galleries entry free, to peruse till you drop.

And so, I entered this little exhibition space in dear old White Rock, not expecting much, ready to criticize, scoff at and get more home sick.

But! To my surprise, I was disarmed by the charming expressions of creativity that portrayed this sleepy little town of old that I have come to love. I even put my old-man reading glasses on to study each morsel. I looked like a pro, chewing on every visual delicacy, but really like a kid enjoying every brush stroke and flick of the pencil.

As if I had entered Dr. Who’s Tardis, I was transported back in time. I learnt that in ages past, this sleepy hollow once had not one but two piers! You’ll have to search for clues yourself, if you don’t believe me.

Sharon, one of the site’s directors, told me about her dreams for future exhibitions and pointed to one of her inventions – the exhibition’s highlight for me – a special wall with local children’s paintings, inspired by Paul Klee, full of vibrant washes and carefree creativity.

Who would think, this former art teacher, now industrial designer, would crave the past, to be free again to just draw and paint for the sake of it, to create joy?

I was given the luxury of chatting to, Katy, the charming curator of Reflecting White Rock, who intelligently chose each piece in a ‘less-is-more’ style, which kept me enthralled in the place for an hour!

My little visit was to a time that once was – images of rugged Marine Drive landscapes, even picnickers’ Model T Fords mysteriously parked on the beach.

G.K. Chesterton once said “Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” And like this imaginative little show proves, creativity is a tonic, helping adults remember and kids inspire.

Having hobnobbed with world-class artists and designers, demanding their work should sell for millions, this day I was reminded real art is precious, needed, hallmarked by bringing joy, the best currency.

A gallery space is not great because it’s big – London’s best are tiny, smaller than this space – it’s more about choosing pieces wisely, that bring joy to old English men and giddy kids like me. Who needs the aching feet of London gallery marathons? I dare you all to keep up the good work, White Rock Museum and Archives team!

Andrew King, White Rock