CHARLBURY.- Shared Visions Shared Lives is a celebratory exhibition of the work of Briony and Andrew Lawson in their family home in Charlbury, Oxfordshire. Displaying two artists who have worked side-by-side for over 45 years, the exhibition brings together key paintings, sculpture, photographs and drawings. A newly published book with essays by Tim Richardson and Peter Stiles accompanies the exhibition and is available to buy alongside the works.

Taking an unconventional approach to an exhibition, Andrew and Briony Lawson have chosen to adapt Gothic House into a living gallery. Visitors will be invited to journey through a gallery of Andrew’s oil paintings complemented by Briony’s sculpture before travelling through the house to view photographs by Andrew and a wealth of drawings by both artists. The garden provides a perfect platform for Briony’s wood, stone and clay (bronze) sculptures.

Taking inspiration from natural forms and, in particular the valley landscape of her native Devon, Briony has been a practicing sculptor for over half a century. Her versatility of work in wood, stone and clay reveals a dynamic energy which flows through all her sculpture. Developing from a period of working on portraits, Briony’s carved stone heads have become increasingly pared down and simplified to their essence.

Better known as a garden photographer, Andrew Lawson will be showing a wide collection of his oil paintings, charcoal drawings and also some photographs. As a survey of his artistic career, the exhibition begins with Andrew’s earliest works for posters at school through to his most recent oil paintings and drawings.

Andrew has been one of the UK’s leading garden photographers for the last three decades. In 2010 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for his dedicated work in the industry. He has contributed to over 70 books; hundreds of magazine articles and given a number of lecture series around the world. His own books include The Gardener’s Book of Colour, The English Garden with Ursula Buchan and Good Planting with Rosemary Verey. As a keen gardener himself, Andrew has brought to his work an in-depth knowledge of plants and regularly opens his own garden. The garden is open for the duration of the exhibition.