Art on the river

9:29am Sunday 3rd August 2008

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One of Richmond’s historic galleries will host to a new residency that will allow people to “reflect” on the building’s past.

Artist Emma Smith has been awarded a National Lottery funded grant of £5,000 thanks to funding from the Arts Council.

Weather permitting Emma has planned a free rowing exhibition on the River Thames outside the gallery on August 12.

The trips will set off from Richmond Bridge Boat Houses on the riverfront in Richmond at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm and participants will be asked to share their thoughts and reflections on the historic building.

On August 13 staff will recreate a 279-year-old six-course menu including chicken with peaches, haunch of venison and vermicelli soup, from the when Queen Caroline dined at the house.

Executive director of Arts Council England, Moira Sinclair, said: 'This offers the opportunity for people to reflect on the long history of Orleans House through personal interaction with art.

“Art has the power to make us view things in new and exciting ways, and the people of Richmond will be able to reflect on and enjoy the area's grand and regal past.”

So far Emma has already recreated a cricket match between Australia and Orleans from 1878, involving students from Orleans Park Secondary School.

Australia won by 42 runs while the residency will culminate in a final exhibition in November drawing on all the activities from the project.