Manga to Mural - the Japanese Sketches of John Thomas
17 February 2009 - 18 April 2010
The opening of trade contacts between Britain and Japan in the mid-1800s, sparked the beginning of a love affair with Japanese art. This was to have a profound influence on art, design, architecture and gardens.
The founders of this museum, Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes, were lovers of Japanese art. As owners of the Royal Bath Hotel, they employed the artist, John Thomas, to decorate their hotel in Japanese style. Later they also created a Japanese ‘museum’.
Whilst nothing remains in the hotel today, the same themes and many of the Japanese objects ended up in the Russell-Cotes’ home, East Cliff Hall - now this Museum.
Look out for John Thomas’ work on ceilings, walls, covings, and even stained-glass around the house.
While in Bournemouth, Thomas also produced a Portfolio of Japanese Sketches. This provides vital clues to the origins of the decoration in the house, and is the main exhibit in this show.
With this first-ever exhibition on John Thomas’ work, we aim to:
- raise awareness of this, once celebrated, artist and his contribution to the uniqueness of this museum;
- mark the launch of our centenary year. The Museum was officially opened on 5th June 1909 by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir George Wyatt Truscott; and
- celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom.
Gallery IV
Free admission
A grant of £1,600 was kindly awarded from the JAPAN-UK 150 Fund to Manga to Mural - the Japanese Sketches of John Thomas in 2009.
Read related news releases:
Minister Plenipotentiary opens exhibition at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, February 2009
Bournemouth exhibition invited to be part of Japan-UK 150 celebrations,
1 February 2009
New exhibition exploring the work of 19th Century Japan-influenced interiors artist John Thomas opens, 31 October 2008
Do you have any information about John Thomas?
If so, we would like to hear from you. Please email us here.
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