ncas members, friends and supporters gathered on 27 March at Norwich Castle to help celebrate the opening of Seven Decades of Contemporary Art, an exhibition showcasing a selection of the innovative artworks which ncas members have helped to collect and display at Norwich Castle Museum & Gallery over the past seven decades.
From recently supported acquisitions such as works by Florence Peake and Daniel & Clara, to the very first works collectively purchased by ncas members in the 1950s including L S Lowry and Prunella Clough, the 30 artists represented share an interest in experimenting with the conditions of painting, sculpture, photography and performance.
Many of the works reimagine experiences of landscape or figuration, often in very different ways. Together, they signal the changing ideas and relationships that sustain the presentation of contemporary art at the Castle.
Lisa Newby, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Norwich Castle said: “ Members of the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society play a vital role in developing the contemporary collections at Norwich Castle. This exhibition celebrates their contribution and will be an exciting opportunity for visitors to experience the artworks ncas have supported over the past seven decades.”
Selwyn Taylor, Chair of ncas, said: “ This anniversary is not just about looking back, it is away of reaffirming our commitment to contemporary art for the next generation. Throughout 2026/7, our programme of talks and events will celebrate the artists, audiences and supporters who have shaped Norfolk Contemporary Art Society over the past seventy years, whilst setting an ambitious course for the decades ahead.”
The exhibition, together with a planned series of talks on the changing art scene in the different decades, continues until 28 February 2027 at the Timothy Gurney Gallery.
Norwich Castle & Gallery is open daily from 10am until 5pm. ncas members have free access to the Castle & Gallery.
Check the website for forthcoming talk details.