AN artist who has shared the stage with a countless list of top stars is unveiling an exhibition of V Festival across the years.

Can you imagine sharing the stage with Ed Sheeran or Tom Jones?

Artist James Wilkinson knows exactly what it’s like, he’s painted many top stars whilst they performed some of their biggest hits at the V Festival, Chelmsford.

Now, an exhibition of James’s work has been collected for a special retrospective show, ‘VFlections’ at The Gallery Wall in Chelmsford Museum, from Saturday 16 June to Sunday 2 September.

James, who is the artist in residence at Hylands Estate, and was the official artist to the V Festival during the festival’s glory years, has painted many of the festival’s performers including; Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Olly Murs, Tom Jones and Seasick Steve, plus many other famous musicians, all from his unique vantage point on stage.

As a result, his paintings, sketches and photographs reveal an unexpected intimacy to some of the most iconic performers of the modern age. The exhibition will also feature James’s artwork from behind the scenes of the V Festival.

Mark Curteis, assistant museum manager, curatorial and learning, said: “James is a talented artist and this collection of his art is a testament to him, and the faith that the musicians have put in him to capture their big performances, as well as private moments backstage. Anyone with an interest in pop music will be fascinated by this unique view into some of the biggest names in pop”.

Entry to VFlections is free. Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museumevents