*** PRESS RELEASE ***
New Exhibition by Martin Bentham RWA
12th May – 30th June
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is delighted to be welcoming artist Martin Bentham to the
Exhibition Room with a collection of his latest paintings.
Martin last appeared at the Palace in 2014 with an extremely successful show and art fans
from around Somerset are eagerly awaiting his new collection.
Martin Bentham has been a full time professional artist painter since graduating from Exeter
College of Art & Design in 1985.
Primarily a figurative painter, Martin prefers to work directly from his chosen subjects, which
are mostly derived from the people and landscape of the Mendip Hills, where he lives. He
also paints still life.
Martin has held successful biennial one man shows since 1993 and has exhibited at
numerous, notable selected exhibitions including the RA and the Royal West of England
Academy (RWA). He was awarded the 'Daler Rowney Oil Painting Prize' in 2007 at the RWA
Autumn Exhibition and won 1st and 2nd Prize in the 'Viewer's Choice Award’ at the 2008
Exhibition.
Martin was elected an Academician of the RWA in January 2009 and since then he has had
two solo exhibitions there: July-August 2010 and in October 2012.
Martin Bentham’s paintings & drawings are in many private collections throughout the world
and the works from his new exhibition will be available to purchase.
The exhibition opens on 12th May, runs until 30th June and will be open from 10am-6pm
daily. The exhibition is included in standard admission to the Palace & Gardens. Visitors are
advised to check the website before visiting as the Palace buildings are occasionally closed
for private functions.
ABOUT THE BISHOP’S PALACE
The Bishop’s Palace is the 800 year old home of the Bishops of Bath & Wells. The medieval palace is
also home to the wells and ancient springs that give the City of Wells its name, the world famous
mute swans that ring a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want their food, and 14 acres of
stunning gardens. Within the gardens are an Arboretum, formal planted gardens, the ruined and
romantic Great Hall, waterfalls and well pools, a Community Garden and the new Garden of
Reflection.
The Palace buildings open to the public include a medieval undercroft, a striking Long Gallery, hung
with portraits of former bishops, exhibition space and the beautiful medieval Chapel.
There is a modern, family and dog friendly café, serving produce from the gardens, drinks, cakes and
light meals and a gift shop. The site is accessible for wheelchair users, with new, even pathways in
the gardens and a lift in the Palace building.
The Bishop’s Palace is managed by The Palace Trust, registered charity number 1160830.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2PD
T: 01749 988111
OPENING TIMES
Summer (25 March – 28 Oct): 10am - 6pm
Winter (29 Oct – 24 March): 10am – 4pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
The Bishop’s Palace is closed over Christmas every year.
• All activities and events are included in the price of admission unless stated otherwise and
children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guided Tours Daily