Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois recently spent time on a Saturday morning to open the annual Rayleigh Art Exhibition, which was being held at the WI hall in Bellingham Lane.
This year’s exhibition featured works by over two dozen local artists living in and around the Rayleigh area. Mark performed the official opening by congratulating all of the artists concerned on the very high standards of work they have produced, which Mark commended as an important contribution to the cultural life of the local community.
Mark also purchased two pictures, one of Rochford painted by local artist Ian Deaves and one of the Crowstone at Southend, painted by local artist Roy Bull. Mark plans to present the Rochford picture as a gift to Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge and will be doing likewise for the Crowstone picture with fellow MP Sir David Amess.
Commenting on the exhibition, Mark said:
“We have some really gifted and talented artists operating in and around Rayleigh and this annual exhibition has become an important part of the cultural calendar in our community. I commended the organisers and all of the artists concerned for again producing a very high standard of work, which I hope many local people had an opportunity to enjoy.”