Is There a Rhinoceros in the Room?

Sculptor & ceramicist Ben Hughes presents new work which continues his ongoing investigation into the evolving relationship between the functional and the aesthetical object.

Taking the recent rediscovery of Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell's collection of hand painted plates, The Famous Women Dinner Service, in which the duo painted a set of 50 famous woman from history onto dinner plates, Hughes presents this new body of work as a humourous documentation highlighting the diversity of vegetarians and vegans that cross race, culture and vocation with some surprising famous figures.

Just as Grant and Bell were foreseeing the parity of woman in society one hundred years ago, this series of 50 painted plates aims to showcase and celebrate figures from history and contemporary culture whose ethical values are becoming more prominent in our current society. An accompanying installation piece will also be unveiled in the basement gallery.

This exhibition develops from his exploration of the relationship between the famed Doulton Pottery (Doulton & Co.Ltd, 1854–1993), based on the nearby Black Prince Road, and Lambeth Art School (now City & Guilds of London Art School).