Museum London unveils new permanent collection exhibition inspired by everyday encounters

Londoners now have the chance to see their surroundings in a new light. Museum London is opening a major exhibition this weekend called All Around Me, All Around You, a permanent collection show designed to reveal inspiration in the ordinary.

The exhibition, which officially opens Saturday in the Volunteer and Moore Galleries, takes its title from a work by late London artist Bernice Vincent. It brings together Canadian artworks and historical artifacts that highlight themes of memory, sensory experience, belief, and daily rituals.

"Creative inspiration is everywhere. It's in the textures we touch, the stories we share, and the landscapes we inhabit," said Andrew Kear, the museum's head of programs.

"This exhibition invites visitors to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary, to recognize how our surroundings, both natural and cultural, shape not only who we are but also what we create."

Kear said the team selected pieces from a collection of more than 6,000 artworks and 50,000 objects, narrowing it down to works that connect to the theme of finding beauty and meaning in everyday encounters. The show includes works by well-known Canadian artists such as Alex Colville, Mary Pratt and members of the Group of Seven, alongside London-based figures including Jack Chambers, Greg Curnoe, Jessica Karuhanga, Paul Peel, and Vincent herself.

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Standing in the gallery ahead of opening day, Kear pointed out some personal favourites: a rope sculpture by David Merritt "exploding into fuzz," a sleek Walter Redinger fiberglass form, and what he calls "the most incredible Jack Chambers painting I've ever seen," a still-life of flowers on a bureau that he says gives off "a kind of spiritual weight."

The exhibition also features interactive elements, from a designated touch table for sensory exploration to a virtual reimagining of Vincent's work that inspired the title. Visitors will also have access to the museum's online object database and a series of upcoming audio interviews with artists and experts.

Alongside the new works on the walls, the gallery itself has been transformed. Temporary partitions have been removed, floors have been stripped back to their original concrete, and the sightlines have been opened up.

Kear said the exhibition is meant to be long-term, though pieces may rotate over time. "People can rest assured that they will continue to see some of their favourite works," he said, adding that the gallery will evolve with new acquisitions and responses to current events.

All Around Me, All Around You opens Saturday, Sept. 13, and will remain on view for an extended period.

Museum London is located at 421 Ridout Street at the Fork of the Thames River, and admission is by donation. For more information on the museum, exhibits and visiting hours, visit museumlondon.ca.