“Behind the Façade” is an exhibition of architectural drawings selected from local architects. There is a Preview evening on Wed 4th March 5-8pm . Everyone who is interested in buildings, local history or drawing and painting are welcome.
Architects exhibiting are :
Richard Carman – Architectural Illustrator
“As an architectural illustrator I am mainly involved at the design stage of the process of making a building and illustrating an idea and presenting it in the best possible way. Most architectural visualisation is generated by computers but hand drawing still has a place…….I’ve never been short of work……because, I think, people can relate to it in a way that is impossible with images generated digitally. I believe that a hand produced image invites the viewer to use their imagination and it is therefore more engaging than something that aspires to be photo-perfect. Illustration isn’t art. It’s completely commercial and although the illustrator can apply a great deal of imagination to the work in terms of showing what the subject could be like, in the end it is the client who has the final say. There is more than one picture in this exhibition with a hole cut in it so that revisions could be made ” – RC 13th February 2026.
Website https://www.richardcarman.co.uk
Nick Ratcliff – Stone and partners
Stone + Partners traces its origins back to 1908, when Harry Stone founded the firm in Taunton under the name Stone & Lloyd. In its early years, the practice focused on serving the Somerset region, designing a wide spectrum of projects—from local schools, churches, and village halls to hospitals, sports facilities, industrial buildings, commercial premises, and housing—shaping much of the built environment in the south West.
Over subsequent decades, the firm cemented its reputation for thoughtful design and craftsmanship, maintaining a strong emphasis on placemaking, historic preservation, and sustainable practices. In 1971, the practice formally adopted the name Stone + Partners, reflecting its collaborative ethos and evolution as a chartered architecture firm.
Today, still based in central Taunton, Stone + Partners continues to champion community‑focused architecture and enduring design principles that were first established over a century ago.
Website https://stone-partners.co.uk
Nigel Pearce – Pearce Practice
I first started work as an architect in Taunton in 1986, originally employed by an existing practice in the town, but then in 1988 in partnership with my wife, and subsequently with my own practice.
I initially went into a career in architecture, due to an interest in construction and a love of drawing. I enjoyed art, but soon learned that I was more suited to explore my wish to be creative with an ink pen than a paintbrush.
Architecture is a wide ranging subject, linking art, science and engineering, which as a result attracts people with a variety of skills. But most have one thing is common – the ability to communicate ideas through illustration. We are not all artists, myself included, but most with the aid of a few, often straight lines, can promote our ideas.
Much of my enjoyment has been the number of talented people that it has been my privilege to work with, all bringing different skills, and all able to introduce me to new ideas.
nigel.pearce@pearcepractice.co.uk
This unique exhibition draws on some of the original sketches and blueprints selected from the architects archives
The exhibition features original sketches, blueprints, and, notably, “never seen before” hidden details of prominent local buildings. The collection includes documents dating as far back as the 1890s, offering a look at Pre-War British architecture. It highlights traditional drawing skills i.e. coloured, hand-rendered drawings that illustrate cross-sections of buildings, housing schemes, and imaginary landscapes. The exhibition bridges social history with architectural brilliance, focusing on the creative vision of architects before construction. This exhibition aims to make “the invisible visible,” showcasing the evolution of local, iconic “local treasures”.
“Before a child stands they build.
We are born with an innate desire to create shelter.
‘Den building’ is a significant part of many childhoods.
Architecture is a branch of human creativity which is fraught with complexity and contradiction. Behind the facades of familiar buildings, many stories await to be told.
Architects shape our buildings thereafter, they shape us. Drawings by Architects should be creative reflection, deliberations which explain something.
Visual arguments which may be right or wrong; far more than merely realistic depictions.
Even in the 21st century formal architectural language remains largely intact, demonstrating a linguistic competence which can be traced back to the artist builders of the early Renaissance.
The connection between Architecture and context is highly complex. Consideration of and for the relationship with other buildings or natural environment should be of prime importance.
” It’s not the buildings – it’s the spaces between the buildings that are important.” Zaha Hadid.
An Architect may have to deal with utilitarian representations of existing or projected buildings.
Taunton’s most recent building development of Riverside place responds directly to the natural environment, acknowledging access to the river, perhaps foreseeing arrival by water craft, as well as allowing spatial awareness which respects existing established architecture created for public use.
Many architectural drawings remain unseen and unused. This does not mean that they are without value.
CICCIC is privileged to present this collection which features works originally created in the style of their time, from 1890 to present day, opening doors to the past and future. This encompasses the variant needs of clients, history and public determination.”
Janet Glynn Smith MA. Architectural Historian. SAH. (GB).
Exhibition curated by Richard Holt – Co Director, CICCIC
The exhibition is open Wednesday, Thursday 10-4pm and Friday, Saturday 10-1pm. The centre does from time to time have conferences, workshops and meetings in the gallery space so if travelling a long way specifically to see the exhibition it is advised to contact the centre pre-visit to ensure access.
Contact : info@ciccic.co.uk