Public welcome at filming of Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year competition taking place at Buckler’s Hard on Wednesday 12th July

MEMBERS of the public are invited to Buckler’s Hard to watch the filming of a television programme which sees artists compete to be named Landscape Artist of the year.

The historic village on the banks of Beaulieu River will on Wednesday 12th July welcome film crews from Sky Arts, who will be filming the semi-final of the competition.

Contestants will be asked to create masterpieces inspired by the village, which was once a thriving centre for shipbuilding.

Filming will run from around 10am until 6pm, when professional and amateur artists will be challenged to create works in their own signature style.

The finished pieces will be presented to the show’s judges, Stephen Mangan and Dame Joan Bakewell, who will choose an artist from the Buckler’s Hard heat to compete in the final.

Visitors will be able to support and interact with the artists as they capture the beauty of the area through their own eyes.

A popular TV backdrop, the village recently returned to its 18th century roots for filming of the BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, starring Olivia Colman as one of literature’s most famous characters, Miss Havisham.

As well as learning about the fascinating maritime history of the village, visitors can spend time discovering the Buckler’s Hard Museum which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

The historic showcase features many exhibits including Nelson’s original baby clothes, recordings of conversations between villagers of the past; and residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.