Art lovers with a Spring in their step

Art lovers in Dorset should head to The Tincleton Gallery in Dorchester to absorb some fine contemporary art in the Spring Exhibition which runs until July. Using a range of mediums including sculpture, oils and prints, gallery artists and four guest artists are showcasing their talent. The exhibition also includes a fine selection of landscape monoprints from Bristol-based Ruth Ander which contrast nicely with landscapes in oil from Dorset-base Kim Pragnell.

The Hampshire artist Philippa Headley adds her landscape oils to the mix and then Dorset-based Colin Moore provides further contrast with his linocut landscapes, and the detailed landscape etchings of Devon-based Mary Gillett.

A variety of raku ceramics will be on show, from London-based artist Alison Wear as well as stonework from Sarah Moore and the fine metal/ glass/stone sculptures from Berkshirebased Johannes von Stumm. Imogen Bittner has some new textile pieces as well as work from London-based guest artist Chloe Fremantle and pieces by local guest artist Sarah Batt.

Bridport-born alternative rock legend PJ Harvey marked the release of her new Dorset dialect poem Orlam by gifting items for display in the county museum.

The When Under Ether singer gave the museum in Dorchester early proofs of her new book, covered in her hand-written notes, plus an exclusive signed photograph of her wearing a brooch of traditional Dorset buttons.

The photograph’s inscription reads: “To Dorset Museum, with good wishes always, Polly Jean Harvey.”

Accompanied by her mum Eva, the star singer spent an afternoon at the museum pursuing her interest in 19th-century Dorset dialect poet William Barnes and donating a signed copy of her new book.

The singer’s donations will be on display at the museum until July 9 outside its collection discovery centre.

Museum interim director Elizabeth Selby said: “We were thrilled to receive these items from PJ Harvey. Her awardwinning career, which spans over 30 years, has been extraordinary and wide-ranging.”

She added: “Her achievements and creative output are something of which Dorset can be proud. We are delighted that we now have an opportunity to display them for visitors, and fans of PJ Harvey, to see.”

Discussing her new book, a spokesperson for PJ