Museums across Wiltshire have been able to throw open their doors this week as restrictions eased- and we took a special look inside the Wiltshire Museum ahead of its reopening this week.

Staff have spent weeks preparing a new exhibition called Ways of Seeing Wiltshire.

It explores how the heritage of the region’s landscape was pioneered through the 18th and 19th centuries, and how 20th century artists introduced new ways of appreciating chalk hill figures and prehistoric remains.

The exhibition at the museum in Devizes, will highlight some of these works held in its own collection.

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As with the recent coronavirus lockdowns, the First and Second World Wars, less travelled ways became routes to the past.

The surrounding countryside in Wiltshire developed creatively charged mysteries, evocatively punctuated by furrows, signposts and rolling cloud shadows.

Ways of Seeing Wiltshire lets people view these changes and how artists and educators represented the county.

The exhibition, curated by Brian Edwards, will run in the museum from mid-May until August and some elements of it will be able to be viewed online.

“Whether familiar with Wiltshire or not, the exhibition offers so many rarely encountered delights it is hoped it will be found an uplifting treat,” Brian said.

Heather Ault, exhibitions officer, explained that the display marked a poignant return for the museum.

“We had a school group in earlier this week, and just hearing their voices and excitement reflected the importance of what the museum is about.

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“The exhibition changed as we developed it, it’s been a real journey.”

Wiltshire Museum has re-opened to the public this week. Covid-safe measures are in place and pre-booking is recommended.

Opening hours will initially be Thursday to Saturday.

But they will be increased over the late spring and summer. Visitors are advised to check the museum’s website at wiltshiremuseum.org.uk before visiting to avoid disappointment.

The last day of the exhibition will be Monday August 30.