If anyone has any information regarding this painting by F Bainbridge (1916)- details of the artist, place of the picture, etc - please email me to bainbridge@lombardi.co.uk Thanks.........Have YOU.…. heard of ARMENIA??

A unique & fascinating photographic Exhibition – “Armenia – People and Places” was held in Towneley Hall - Art Gallery in Burnley, Lancashire. United Kingdom on August 2005. It presented a fascinating photographic exhibit that examines the Republic of Armenia. The exhibit of photographs called “ARMENIA - People and Places” featured the work of local photographer Mr Luigi A Lombardi. Prints of any photographs on display can be purchased, with the proceeds going to the Armenian Childrens Charity “Childhood Planet”, whose aim is to improve the lives of underpriviledged and destitute children in Armenia. So far - over $500 dollars was raised and presented to the Charity in time for Christmas 2005. 250 children received lots of presents and had a big party. More details soon! “The country of Armenia is relatively unknown to the British public and Mr. Lombardi’s photographic exhibition would be of great cultural and educational interest because it presents, in a unique way, a fascinating glimpse of an ancient Christian people living in a tiny, landlocked but beautiful country.” says Armenian organizer Dr Natalia Ishkhanian. “We are grateful to Susan Bourne (BA) FMA, curator of Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum for providing us the venue and allowing Mr. Lombardi to share his work.” The Armenians are an ancient people living on an ancient land. Oral history explains the lineage of the Armenian people as being the direct descendants of Noah's son Japheth. The first State to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, the indigenous people of the land of Ararat, (the national symbol of Armenia and resting place of Noah's Ark), forged their national identity with the rise of powerful Armenian kingdoms and the creation of the Armenian alphabet, which spurred the development of literature, philosophy and science. Although the Armenian State withstood many foreign invasions and domination over the centuries, the Republic of Armenia has managed to keep their own unique identity and continue, to this day, to uphold strong religious customs, historical traditions and culture.

A keen and experienced photographer, Mr. Lombardi wanted to capture the soul and character of the Armenian people. “Throughout their history Armenia has suffered tragedy and misfortune, but this has infused the Armenian people with characters of resilience and strength, becoming adaptable, resourceful and proud. Between themselves, they inject a cruel-to-be-kind type of humour to any situation, which helps them to survive. Despite some poor living conditions, I discovered people’s kindness and generosity was very uplifting and humbling. For example, one could feel safe walking alone down a street and within the space of five minutes, be trusted to be invited into their homes for a chat and a meal”. About the photographs themselves Mr Lombardi continues, “Stripping away colour from the photographs mimics the image, and accentuates the coexistence and struggle between natural and man made entropy or disorder of the surroundings and the human essence.” The exhibit is free to the public and opened Saturday, August 13th until Sunday, September 25th 2005. For more information see the website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/going_out/2005/06/23/luigi_photography.shtml or email: armenian.exhibition@ntlworld.com ***UPDATE*** Over the six week period approx 12000 people visited the Museum. Thanks for all the positive comments made in the visitors book.