Distance is on everyone’s minds. Distance from family, distance from friends, distance from colleagues and strangers and with new laws coming into effect, distance is now ingrained in our daily existence.

Inspired by this new normal, we explored the Oxfordshire Museums Service’s collections in search of artworks that convey the concept of distance. Drawn from many artists, periods and employing a variety of styles and media, the works displayed are brought together by this concept.

Distance is explored through Oxfordshire landscapes townscapes and through depictions of events and activities. Some distant views, such as Kenneth Moore’s intricately detailed aerial depiction of redbrick Banbury, are extensive. Whilst in other works, the distance is glimpsed through an arch or a doorway from more intimate surroundings.

In addition to work by well-known artists including William Turner of Oxford and Stanley Anderson, the exhibition includes items from the collections in the care of the Museums Service that have not previously been on public display.