Henley in Summer.. for Peter Asprey , with love from Henley Choral Society

A commission for a new version of the print.. with wonderful musical details!

Added details will include music scores performed by the choir

The work is detailed below as it happened..

Henley in Summer ( the original piece)

Henley in Summer by Kirsten Jones

A view of the beautiful bridge in Henley on Thames with the town and church in the background. It is a clear, crisp day with The Angel on the Bridge in the distance at the end of the well-worn path towards the site of Henley Royal Regatta and the summer festivals.

Local boats are moored to the left and ‘Lily Anna’ is crossing the stream whilst Gloriana, The Queen’s launch leaves the frame to the right, both with ensigns flashing red white and blue in the sunshine. The central boat appears twice, both moored and on the move.. as if part of a circular route and recurring history on The Thames, echoed in the placement of the pocket watch on both sides of the piece.

The history of the bridge and the town of Henley on Thames is detailed in fragments of vintage text and phrases layered within the water. Ingredients of menus are collaged within the water.. including cakes, beverages, luxury goods and exotic treats perfect for a special celebration. There is also a message on the A frame to the left of the moorings... just one of the many secrets waiting to be discovered.

Within the water are a images showing a collection of treasures that may have been part of people’s pleasant afternoons picnics or soirees over the many centuries that this river has been at the heart of peoples lives in Oxfordshire. You can find a tea set, carafe, cutlery, cake stand, glasses, tankard and silver cake server and glamorous details such as a diamond brooch plus boating accessories anchor, cleat and steering wheel to name a few.

Lush trees, distant boat houses and The Henley Royal Regatta Headquarters are viewed over flowing water. The sky is blue and bright and within the clouds and the water are fragments of vintage maps, showing local villages, lanes and walkways. A beautifully busy day boating in Henley on Thames.

Kirsten Jones paints views of the places she loves using colourful brushstrokes, sketched lines and expressive markmaking to capture the essence of each place.

Limited Edition Prints are available rolled and can be sent anywhere in the world.

A bespoke artwork for a marvellous Musical Director and fabulous friend…

We wanted a print that would remind our departing, and much to be missed, Musical Director Peter Asprey, of Henley. The picture includes a view of St Mary's Church where we have had so many wonderful concerts. The map of Henley in the clouds includes d:two where we have had fun rehearsing over the last six years. The clouds also include snippets of the wonderful music that Henley Choral Society has sung with Peter. Can you work out what they are? Each is a memory of time spent with an outstanding Musical Director.

The HCS logo was placed within the artwork to convey a special message to Peter…

The clouds created with the help of Susan…

and the answers to the music sources.

The inscription on the back:

To Peter Asprey,

We will miss your wit, musicality, enthusiasm and friendship. You have helped us develop enormously in the six years you have been with us. This print should remind you of Henley and many of the pieces of music we have had the privilege to share with you.

Look at it and think of your friends in Henley.

We wish you a successful future and keep in touch with us all

Henley Choral Society

The piece with added clouds… I love it x

Thanks to Tim and Susan, loved seeing the ( delightfully annotated) music scores, I really enjoyed making this special piece for you all.