HISTORY buffs will be treated to a new art exhibition at Teign Heritage Centre which will be holding its annual Open Day. 

Two galleries, the foyer and second floor, will give visitors a chance to learn about the history of the town and the Teign Estuary from the days when it was an important port to Regency times and later when people came for healthy fresh air and immerse themselves in the sea.

Objects of particular interest are an Edwardian bathing machine, wreck items, including two guns, recovered from a 16th century wreck not far off Eastcliff beach, and ironwork from Brunel’s atmospheric South Devon railway.

There are several short videos about the area in both galleries, and a World War 1 virtual reality experience about spotting German submarines in the Channel which torpedoed local fishing vessels and ships.

On display in the Teign Room are some paintings by local artists and prints from the museum collection which depict the beauty of the Teign Estuary. 

The prints were an early form of postcard, a souvenir of local scenery drawn and engraved for visitors to buy from Croydon’s Library in Regent Street, where W.H.Smith is today. 

The exhibition includes a print drawn by J.M.W. Turner showing the Teign Estuary from Ringmore on the Shaldon side where ships were built in the early 19th century.

The art exhibition is the first part of a wider museum project Sun, Sea and Shifting Sands which focuses on the art, history and science of the coast and the impact of local weather. 

Artists are invited to participate in this project by responding creatively to the images on display. 

There will be workshops for schoolchildren and artists later this year, culminating in an exhibition at the TAAG gallery in Teignmouth celebrating World Earth Day in April next year.

Other events planned include talks at on topics about the coastal environment and an exhibition next summer showing the impact of weather on the environment, including storms, floods and the movement of the sand.

The annual Open Day is on Saturday September 7, entry is free on the day.