To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of National Association of Decorative & Fine Art Societies, Grayshott DFAS has adopted a painting by the remarkable Marianne North (1830-1890) 'Flowers of the Pomegranate, painted in Tenerife'.

Grayshott Books kindly agreed to GDFAS using its shop window for a display publicising the Marianne North adoption scheme and also promoting NADFAS' 40th Anniversary, especially the Grayshott Decorative & Fine Arts Society and on Tuesday, 9th September members and visitors gathered in the Square, Grayshott to enjoy coffee and cake and view the display.

Members were joined by NADFAS Trustee, Heather Spencer, local dignitaries Phil Bates, Peter Hatch, Clive Slaughter and founder members of Grayshott DFAS. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Julie Stevens of Grayshott Books by Nicky Wilson, Chairman of Grayshott DFAS in thanks for the use of the shop window for the display, which will be on show for the month of September.

Marianne North's paintings, depicting over 900 species of flora world-wide, are housed in a gallery at Kew Gardens which after 120 years is in need of major restoration. The 'Adopt a Painting' scheme will help restore a valuable part of Kew Gardens Heritage.

Grayshott DFAS feel this is a most worthwhile project to support and not only have they adopted a painting but they have invited Laura Ponsonby, the local, well-known authority on Marianne North, to give a lecture next year. The Society will also be visiting The Marianne North Gallery in the autumn of 2009 to view their adopted painting and the restored gallery.

For further information see:
www.nadfastatgrayshott.org.uk
www.kew.org/press