In Conversation with Debbie Thompson Wilson

GUELPH, ON, January 8, 2014: Guelph artist Debbie Thompson Wilson will be at the Civic Museum on Sunday, January 11 to talk about her exhibition, Saints Preserve Us, which features her miniature paintings of saints represented in Guelph.

Wilson uses authentic medieval methods to create her miniatures, including gilding with 24 karat gold-leaf and painting on calf-skin vellum.

Her interest in medieval manuscript art dates back to her days as an undergraduate at the University of Guelph where she studied medieval and renaissance art. She has spent years researching authentic medieval techniques, taking trips to the British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to study manuscript art in detail.

In recent years, Wilson grew curious about the saints whose names adorn Guelph’s churches, schools, and businesses. Though we see these buildings on a daily basis, most of us know little about the saints that inspired Guelph’s early settlers. Saints Preserve Us tells the story of Guelph and its saints by juxtaposing Wilson’s miniatures with historical photos of and information about their namesake buildings.

Wilson will give a guided tour of the Saints Preserve Us exhibit starting at 2 pm and her talk will follow. Tea and refreshments will be served. The event is free with the admission.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Robin Morden
Community Relations Coordinator
Guelph Museums
519-836-1221
[email protected]