Mossley man's art exhibition goes online due to pandemic

An artist from Mossley has had to move his latest exhibition online at the last minute due to new lockdown rules.

Simon Mound had originally planned a small studio exhibition in Lees showing off his latest works, but all that had to be scrapped with less than 24 hours to go after the Prime Minister announced tougher restrictions across England.

It left Simon scrambling to think of a way to showcase his newest exhibition to a public that could not attend.

Eventually, he settled on a ‘virtual art gallery’ hosted on his own website.

Viewers can head to his online site, before virtually walking around a gallery space using their mouse and keyboard.

Simon explained: “It’s about getting art into different environments away from galleries. 

“We put the studio together then the announcement came we were going into lockdown. 

“I thought ‘I need to get this work out, I’ve spent seven months creating it! It needs to exist.’

“I didn’t sleep for 72 hours while putting it together. 

“You can go on the website and it’s a 3d gallery. The paintings are up in there and more will be added as time goes on.”

The lockdown and pandemic situation is one that has been tough for many people, including artists. 

Simon explained it’s had both a positive and negative impact.

“In some ways it’s been easier because I’ve been able to lock myself away and do it,” he said.

“In other ways it’s a nightmare, everyone went out and bought art materials after they’d bought all the baked beans, rice and toilet paper.

“Manufacturers are out of stock, I’ve had to bulk buy and wait, eventually stuff has come through.”

The work is a collection of portraits of famous faces, painted in Simon’s unique style. He said his inspiration comes from his community. 

“It is all inspired by the community and it’s for them. A lot more people enjoy seeing it than buying it which, while unfortunate for me, is great that people love it.

“I got a nice email last year from a guy who said my work had brightened his day. It was quite emotional.”

There are currently 11 pieces in the online gallery, but Simon has plans to keep expanding, with up to 60 pieces set to be exhibited.

Simon’s work is available to view and purchase now on his website.