Women create clay sculpture display in Lancaster to show 'visibility after 50'

An exhibition of clay sculptures by women symbolising their approach to ageing and the menopause has been on display in Lancaster.

Venus Revisited is a collection of unique terracotta sculptures by 16 women exploring self and body image in clay.

The work is on display at the main gallery at The Storey until today (Thursday July 13).

The exhibition features individual sculptures made by each of the participants as well as other objects which symbolise their approach to themselves as they age.

Many of the participants have never worked with clay before. 

Kath McDonald. from King Street Arts in Lancaster, first had the idea of using clay to explore ideas of ageing some years ago.

As an artist and ceramicist, she began to make figures in clay to show her own ageing when she turned 50, and realised this could be a good way for other women to do the same. 

“After 50, women can start to feel invisible," she said.

"There are so many changes that come along with the menopause, and clay is a good way to explore these and celebrate some of the aspects of ageing too.” 

The sculptures will be shown alongside the annual NHS Health and Wellbeing Collage Competition, which this year features views of Lancaster quay.

The project has been funded by LDCVS, and the sculptures are being shown alongside the annual NHS Health and Wellbeing Collage Competition, which this year features views of Lancaster quay.

It is open until 6pm today.