AN EXHIBITION of seven drawings by award-winning London artist and social commentator Christy Burdock has opened at Newton Abbot Museum.

The works, inspired by the town’s heritage and objects in the museum collection, aim to throw what is described as ‘a dim and gentle light on the ordinary corners of British life’.

Ms Burdock, much in demand by international collectors, travelled to Newton Abbot to spend time exploring the community in the company of museum curator Dr Charlotte Dixon.

She met with residents and learned about aspects of life in the west country, including the term ‘dimspey’, after which one of the pieces is named.

Opening the Picturing the Past exhibition on Friday April 8, in the company of Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce, Dr Dixon thanked Ms Burdock for selecting Newton Abbot as a subject for her attention.

She said: ‘Christy is a multi-award winner who has exhibited he work all over so it is a really special thing that she chose us.

‘Each drawing tells a particular story about objects in the museum’s collection and about people and events in the town.

‘Thank you so much Christy, it has been a real honour to work with you.’

Ms Burdock told the audience that the pleasure had been hers and described the people of Newton Abbot as ‘unpretentious and lovely’.

‘Thank you for letting me draw you,’ she said.

Cllr Joyce said: ‘Everybody who knows Newton Abbot has it in their heart, it is a lovely town.

‘Thank you again Christy for doing what you have done.’

The exhibition is free and open during most usual museum hours of Tuesday - Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm until September 3.

Audio recordings of Ms Burdock talking about her drawings of Newton Abbot, coupled with the images, can be heard at www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk