Museum re-opens with new artwork

Newtown's Robert Owen Museum has re-opened and it has a very special new piece of art on display to mark the 250th anniversary of the social reformer.

The museum, situated in Brisco House at The Cross in Newtown, re-opened after closing due to the coronavirus situation.

It's now open and has a new portrait of the social reformer, Robert Owen, painted by Newtown artist, Brian Jones.

Brian, a former personal textile designer for the late Laura Ashley, has become an accomplished artist with a range of paintings having been placed in exhibitions and on show.

During the lockdown in 2020, Brian out of a labour of love and admiration of fellow Newtonian Robert Owen, decided to paint a portrait in his memory for the 250th Birthplace Celebrations of the iconic Newtonian pioneer of infant education, a significant social reformer and considered the father of the Cooperative Movement.

The portrait is of Robert Owen with the River Severn and St Mary's Church, where he is buried, in the background.

"We welcome visitors to see this painting and new exhibits now being displayed in the Robert Owen Memorial Museum," said Ann Evans of the museum.

During the lockdown in 2020 Brian out of a labour of love and admiration of fellow Newtonian Robert Owen, decided to paint a portrait in his memory for the 250th Birthplace Celebrations of this iconic Newtonian Pioneer of Infant Education, a significant Social Reformer and considered the Father of the Cooperative Movement.