Why dining is an art form at the Ring O’Bells
Art is the order of the day for diners in the restaurant at the Ring O’Bells, Thornton, following the unveiling of the latest exhibition of paintings by leading Yorkshire artist Ian Middleton.
Ian is a very busy and successful artist who works from his studio near Ilkley, specialising in Expressionism, while also extending his talents to a wide variety of other styles found in the art world.
He paints in oils on canvas and over the years has produced hundreds of paintings, embracing both original and reproduction work. A large number of Ian’s leading original paintings are now available in limited edition print format.
Since late 2009, Ian has agreed with the Ring O’Bells to preview many of his completed new works in their restaurant, before being released mainly into private collections throughout the UK and Europe.
This arrangement followed the initial success of a permanent display, dubbed the ‘Art of Dining,’ commissioned by the Ring O’Bells for the restaurant, the bulk of which featured a food and wine theme. Ian also introduced a strong element of humour into some of the paintings, with the aim of creating a more light-hearted dining experience.
Extending the concept further, specialist exhibitions have been introduced to coincide with some of the varied dining themes at the Ring O’Bell’s. These combine food, art and music to great effect, such as the art deco theme from the 1920s and 30s.
Ian said: “It gives the restaurant a constantly changing image and style – and we have had some great fun along the way!”
Ring O Bell’s proprietor Ann Preston said: “We are always trying to do something different and Ian’s work is intended to create a more interesting, even unique dining experience in our restaurant.
“We have developed and evolved the chosen themes and one of Ian’s works is always given pride of place under the spotlight. His paintings have certainly brightened up the place and judging by feedback to date, they are going down a treat – just like our food! “
Meanwhile, in the adjoining Bar Brasserie, displays of old framed prints depicting Thornton village life in the last century are creating lots of interest. They have been reproduced from pictures loaned by the family of the late Joseph Shackleton, a well-known Thornton-based photographer in the 1900s and former president of Bradford Camera Club.
ENDS
Pic caption: Wharfedale artist Ian Middleton, left, shows off one of the many food and drink-related paintings specially commissioned for the Ring O’Bells by owners Clive and Ann Preston, who are also pictured. In the background is one of Ian’s latest works developed from on a First World War painting by the renowned German Expressionist Franz Marc.
Further media info: Robin Moule, 01756 794027. Ann Preston can be contacted at the Ring O’Bells on 01274 832296.