The Shores of South Devon (SOSD) Marine Interest Life Association held an art and photography launch event on Friday 25 November at the Maltings Taphouse, Newton Abbot. The Exhibition features local intertidal marine life, recorded and photographed on south Devon shores over the last three years, in the geographical area between the River Exe and the River Tamar – with a particular focus on Teignbridge and Torbay.
The exhibition was curated by Toby Sherwin, Mike Puleston and Anne Gwynn, and featured photographs by Toby and Mike, mixed media art by Anne, and framed seaweed pressings by Mike. It was a really enjoyable evening attended by around 15 people, with a slide presentation of the images and pictures on show. We also had a very positive response from those customers of the Taphouse that evening who ventured upstairs to explore the exhibition.
Included were some stunning photographs from SOSD members and supporters by Guy Heath, Jana Fischer, Chris Bryan and Cathy Oetegenn. We selected an amazing image by Guy, who is just completing a Marine Biology degree at Plymouth, of a giant goby at Wembury marine reserve this summer. The goby is a protected species and only found at a small number of sites in Devon and Cornwall.
Teignbridge and Devon County Councillor, Alistair Dewhirst, also praised the selection and quality of our exhibits and, like others, was somewhat surprised that such colourful and fascinating marine animals and seaweeds are found on our south Devon shores. As well as some common species, we were able to show some much less well-known marine creatures and plants, found on a variety of shores and habitats including estuaries, beaches and rockpools.
The aim of our Association is to showcase and record the diverse and fascinating marine fauna and flora in south Devon. The exhibition has guide sheets, SOSD leaflets and membership forms – membership costs £10 a year.
If you are in the area, please come along and take a look. The exhibition is free and open daily from 4pm, within the Maltings Taphouse opening hours, until 30 January. The Maltings is an amazing Victorian building worthy of a visit in its own right and the Taphouse is friendly and welcoming, offering a great range of specialist drinks. Many thanks to Chris and Bex from the Maltings Taphouse for supporting us in arranging the exhibition, and to all who came along to the opening.
On Thursday 26 January 2023, at 19:30, Mike will be giving a talk at the exhibition on the intertidal marine life of the Teign estuary from Newton Abbot Town Quay to Shaldon. The event is free to attend.
