Monthly Archives: May 2015

A Breath of Scottish Air in London

Jolomo – Away to the Hebrides, Gallery 8, 8 Duke Street St. James’s, London SW1, 18th  – 30th  May 2015

Evening Summerlight Isle of Gigha. oil on canvas. 24 x 24 inches.

Evening Summerlight Isle of Gigha.
oil on canvas.
24 x 24 inches.

It is not hard to believe that this is the 14th London show for the very popular Scottish artist (Dr John Lowrie Morrison OBE) who has a deserved worldwide following, including celebrities such as Sting, Rick Stein and Madonna.  His works always bring a breath of fresh Scottish air to London and who knows the SNP MP’s may do the same for the House of Commons.

Big Squall over Scalpay Lighthouse. oil on canvas. 20 x 20 inches.

Big Squall over Scalpay Lighthouse.
oil on canvas.
20 x 20 inches.

The exhibition’s title derives from the 19th century Scottish artist Sir William McTaggart’s painting ‘Away to the West’ and Jolomo explains “I always thought it was a very evocative title, ever since I was school. It evokes that romantic feeling which I have about the West Coast, and the Hebrides in particular. Growing up in Glasgow, it just made me want to be out there. I thought it would be really good to bring a sense of that to London, which is so far away from the Hebrides it might as well be Outer Mongolia!”

High Summer on Isle of Berneray. oil on canvas. 30 x 30 inches.

High Summer on Isle of Berneray.
oil on canvas.
30 x 30 inches.

There are some sixty new works, reflecting trips over the decades to the islands, including the area his father grew up in.  Jolomo adds “It’s tied in with my thoughts of the past as well, my family’s past, and what they did, cutting the peat, cutting the hay, collecting the seaweed to put down into the soil to help grow vegetables. The paintings almost always have traces of human life, a haystack, or a ladder against a wall.”
A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Carers Trust.

Summerlight Isle of Berneray looking to Harris. oil on canvas. 30 x 30 inches.

Summerlight Isle of Berneray looking to Harris.
oil on canvas.
30 x 30 inches.

 

Hours:  Mon-Sat. 10 – 6pm. Sat 30 closes at 2pm. Sunday 11-4pm. Open Bank holiday Mon 25.

Enquiries: corrymella@corrymellascottgallery.co.uk,   07763 789112

 

www.corrymellascottgallery.co.uk

 

Stafford Gallery at Wimbledon Fine Art

John C Brown, Stafford Gallery at Wimbledon Fine Art, 41 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19, 18th – 31st May 2015

Blue Balconies, Havana Mixed media on board 34 x 46 inches

Blue Balconies, Havana
Mixed media on board
34 x 46 inches

There is little doubt that John Brown has an eye for capturing brief, real-life scenes in his paintings whether they take place overseas or in his native Scotland.  Having caught these scenes in his sketchbook, he translates them into paintings in his studio using both paint and mixed media.  He gradually adds layers to the picture until the colourful, light-infused final image is achieved.

Corrales Street Vendors,Havana Mixed media on board 24 x 32 inches

Corrales Street Vendors,Havana
Mixed media on board
24 x 32 inches

 www.staffordgallery.co.uk

Street Stall, Havana Mixed media on board 10 x 10.75 inches

Street Stall, Havana
Mixed media on board
10 x 10.75 inches

 

Paris evoked in London

Galerie de l‘Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery,  Gallery One, 25-28 Old Burlington Street, London W1
Installation view of Galerie de l'Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015). Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l’Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015).
Photography Mark Blower.

This something really different because London becomes Paris.  The moment you go through the gallery’s door you are taken into an imaginary Paris gallery, established in 1948.  The 1950s have been evoked by the  French interior designer Emilie Bonaventure who has incorporated period colour palettes and wallpapers alongside furniture by Jacques Dumond and Alain Richard to create a perfect ambiance to combine art and design from the 20th and 21st centuries perfectly.

Installation view of Galerie de l'Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015). Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l’Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015).
Photography Mark Blower.

It is a timely reminder by the gallery, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer, of how great contemporary and historical works whether from Europe, America, Japan or South America can be brought together to create a harmonious whole.
Installation view of Galerie de l'Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015). Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l’Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015).
Photography Mark Blower.

  •  Artist List
    Mamma Andersson
    Juan Araujo
    Jean Arp
    Alexander Calder
    Henri Chopin
    Dadamaino
    Lucio Fontana
    Hideko Fukushima
    Isa Genzken
    Gego
    Juan Gris
    Mark Grotjahn
    Jim Hodges
    Wassily Kandinsky
    Paul Klee
    Judith Lauand
    Andrew Lord
    Joan Miró
    Giorgio Morandi
    Shinro Ohtake
    Pablo Picasso
    R.H. Quaytman
    Fred Sandback
    Mira Schendel
    Kurt Schwitters
    Jiro Takamatsu
    Jack Whitten
Installation view of Galerie de l'Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015). Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l’Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015).
Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l'Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015). Photography Mark Blower.

Installation view of Galerie de l’Epoque, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (2015).
Photography Mark Blower.

 

A European Private Collection

From Roentgen to Fabergé: A European Private Collection, Christie’s, King Street, London, 20th May 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015

There can be little doubt that Monsieur de C, who formed this remarkable collection over more than three decades is a man of great taste and connoisseurship. He focused on the 18th century with particular interest in the furniture of Abraham and David Roentgen, the celebrated Neuwied- based cabinetmakers. While the father’s furniture forms reflected rococo shapes David’s pure lines and veneers were superb examples of neoclassical taste and it is no surprise that Catherine the Great and Louis XVI were among his patrons.

CREDIT: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015

The collection is rich in other treasures of German craftsmanship, including an exceptional pair of Berlin gilt-bronze wall-lights, circa 1745 made for the Goldene Gallerie at Schloss Charlottenburg (estimate: £50,000-80,000), and 17th and 18th century Augsburg silver, including figures and a pair of silver tureens from the Perm Service made for Catherine the Great. Meissen is also represented well, including a group of pieces with Augsburg Hausmaleri decoration. Another ceramic delight in the auction is a Chinese mid-18th century porcelain serving dish decorated with the arms of Frederick the Great which comes from a service that is believed to have been presented to him (£6,000 – 10,000).

CREDIT: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015

A further area of interest lay in the creations of Fabergé and others in Imperial Russia and there is a fine selection of pieces as can be seen here and also a beautiful silver and silver-gilt table service (estimate:£40,000-60,000). The silver and porcelain (there is a Russian Imperial service too) were used by Monsieur de C when he entertained in the treasure-filled enfilade of rooms of his home. I fully expect that there will be fierce competition to acquire these treasures on the day.

CREDIT: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015

http://www.christies.com

CREDIT: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Irish Art in London

The Art of a Nation – Irish Works from the Allied Irish Banks and Crawford Art Gallery Collections, Mall Galleries, London SW1, until 31st May 2015

On The Run, War of Independence - 1921 © Séan Keating Courtesy Crawford Art Gallery / AIB Collection

On The Run, War of Independence – 1921
© Séan Keating
Courtesy Crawford Art Gallery / AIB Collection

On seeing this hugely enjoyable exhibition the viewer may well wonder why this is the first major celebration of Irish Art in London for over thirty years. The featured works are drawn from the collection of Allied Irish Bank and cover a wide range of media – paintings, photography, tapestry, sculptures and video.

Corpus Christi Procession - c. 1908 © Aloysius O'Kelly Courtesy Crawford Art Gallery / AIB Collection

Corpus Christi Procession – c. 1908
© Aloysius O’Kelly
Courtesy Crawford Art Gallery
/ AIB Collection

 The story of the last one hundred and twenty-five years of Irish Art examines the work of seventy of the country’s noted artists, including Sir John Lavery, Jack B. Yeats, Sean Scully, Caroline McCarthy and self-taught Shane Blount.

It’s a Blue Giraffe – 2007 © Shane Blount Courtesy AIB Collection

It’s a Blue Giraffe – 2007
© Shane Blount
Courtesy AIB Collection

I totally agree with what, Richard Pym, the AIB Chairman, says “The AIB collection is regarded as one of the finest in Ireland, scrupulously put together over more than three decades. We are delighted that the public in Britain has this opportunity to see the depth of Ireland’s culture and heritage”.

Still Life - c. 1959 © Norah McGuinness Courtesy AIB Collection

Still Life – c. 1959
© Norah McGuinness
Courtesy AIB Collection

http://www.mallgalleries.org.uk

20|21

20|21 International Art Fair, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7, 14th – 17th May 2015

Iain Nutting ‘Galloping Horse’, 2014, reclaimed scrap metal, 212 (h) x 322 x 70 cm. Rebecca Hossack Gallery.

Iain Nutting
‘Galloping Horse’, 2014,
reclaimed scrap metal,
212 (h) x 322 x 70 cm.
Rebecca Hossack Gallery.

Now in its ninth year this popular fair offers a wide diversity of art from sixty galleries, many of which are based in the UK. The art however comes from a variety of different countries, including Japan, Russia, Serbia and South Africa with prices from a few hundred pounds upwards.

Olga Lehmann (1912 - 2001) ‘ St Johns Wood Church Xmas Party’, 1940. Ink & watercolour, signed, dated and inscribed. The Boundary Gallery

Olga Lehmann (1912 – 2001) ‘
St Johns Wood Church Xmas Party’, 1940.
Ink & watercolour, signed, dated and inscribed.
The Boundary Gallery

Some twenty-three years ago Agi Katz of the Boundary Gallery bought a portfolio at auction in which were watercolours by an artist she had not come across before called Olga Lehmann (1912-2001). Agi fell in love with the watercolours which dated from 1940 and depicted scenes of life during the Blitz, so much so that she tracked down the artist and they became friends and she was also able to acquire more of these distinctive works. There is appropriately enough a special display of them to mark the 75th anniversary of the Blitz.

Chung Shek (b. 1980) ‘A Touch of Passion’, 2015, oil on canvas, 76 x 101 cm. The Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Eton.

Chung Shek (b. 1980)
‘A Touch of Passion’, 2015,
oil on canvas, 76 x 101 cm.
The Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Eton.

http://www.20-21intartfair.com

Sir Jacob Epstein (1880 – 1959) ‘Roses’, gouache on paper. Babbington Fine Art.

Sir Jacob Epstein (1880 – 1959)
‘Roses’, gouache on paper.
Babbington Fine Art.

Curiosities

EVERY OBJECT TELLS A STORY, 33 Fitzroy Square, London W1, until 26 June 2015

Gandhara Schist Head of the Buddha Afghanistan, 3rd Century AD Size: 36cm high

Gandhara Schist Head of the Buddha
Afghanistan, 3rd Century AD
Size: 36cm high

The independent dealer, Oliver Hoare, who specialises in Islamic Art, has put together a fascinating selling exhibition of more than two hundred and fifty pieces drawn from around the world over a time span of five thousand years. Their common denominator is that they are of interest historically and often have an interesting provenance.

Anthology of Poetry Probably Herat, Afghanistan, early 16th century AD Size: 22.5 x 15cm Lacquer binding, circa 16th century AD

Anthology of Poetry
Probably Herat, Afghanistan, early 16th century AD
Size: 22.5 x 15cm
Lacquer binding, circa 16th century AD

They range from a rare surviving Dodo bone to the 13th Dalai Lama’s Double Bass, via a 14th century Alchemist’s mortar, a 16th century anthology of poetry owned by Mughal Emperors and a very rare Eskimo’s baby blanket. A true pot-pourri of objects and pictures that will intrigue and delight visitors although some may find part of the collection of scrimshaw a bit explicit!

13th Dalai Lama’s Double Bass Lhasa, Tibet, 1920s Size: instrument 170 x 56cm

13th Dalai Lama’s Double Bass
Lhasa, Tibet, 1920s
Size: instrument 170 x 56cm

It is best summed up by Oliver Hoare: “The point of the exhibition, as its title announces, is to celebrate the fascinating and often peculiar stories attached to works of art. The criterion for what is presented has little to do with the value of objects and therefore it differs from the more conventional ‘Cabinets of Curiosities’. Nor does it necessarily reflect the current canon of what is seen as beautiful or culturally significant, although there are significant and beautiful works of art by anyone’s standards. The objects will be displayed like a private collection in the magnificent Robert Adam rooms at 33 Fitzroy Square, once home to the Omega Workshop. The catalogue is, hopefully, the work of a storyteller’s art, and I hope that anyone with an interest in history, art, or a good and unusual story, will come to visit and explore the exhibition”.

Bronze skeleton of a dodo Cast in 2000 Size: 70cm high Pangolin Editions

Bronze skeleton of a dodo
Cast in 2000
Size: 70cm high
Pangolin Editions

http://www.everyobjecttellsastory.com

BOOK REVIEW: The Pattern Sourcebook

The Pattern Sourcebook: A Century of Surface

Design (mini edition)

 

Drusilla Cole

 

Paperback, £12.95

 

Laurence King

 PatternSource_jkt

This is a useful, fun book for all interested in pattern and design and will give some cool ideas for mixing colours too.

The three hundred and fifty motifs (abstract, figurative, floral and animal) are drawn from textiles, ceramics, paper sources in museums and private collections dating from the 19th century until recent times. Even gift wrapping gets a deserved look in.

 

http://www.laurenceking.com

‘Experiments in Paint’

Joshua Reynolds:’Experiments in Paint’, The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1, until 7th June 2015

Joshua Reynolds, Sir Joshua Reynolds, c. 1747-49, © National Portrait Gallery, London

Joshua Reynolds,
Sir Joshua Reynolds, c. 1747-49,
© National Portrait Gallery, London

I have to admit to being a fan of the work of Sir Joshua Reynolds, a founder and the first president of the Royal Academy, indeed my first holiday project at school was on him. So imagine my delight in the current exhibition at the Wallace Collection and, like many others, I have visited it more than once and will certainly return again.

Joshua Reynolds, The 4th Duke of Queensberry ('Old Q') as Earl of March, 1759 © The Wallace Collection

Joshua Reynolds,
The 4th Duke of Queensberry (‘Old Q’) as Earl of March, 1759
© The Wallace Collection

Although many of his clientele were establishment figures of the day, Reynolds was keen to experiment with materials and the methods of creating his paintings as the twenty on view, together with X-ray images and archival sources reveal. You will discover compositional changes, his sometimes unusual choices of materials and how he built up the image on canvas.

Joshua Reynolds, Studio Experiments in Colour and Media © Royal Academy of Arts, London.

Joshua Reynolds, Studio Experiments in Colour and Media
© Royal Academy of Arts, London.

As well as works from the Wallace collection there are also loans from the UK, Europe and the USA so that one can gets a wide survey of his works, whether portraits, historical or “fancy” subjects. As Reynolds said in 1784 “A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts”

The Strawberry Girl Joshua Reynolds, The Strawberry Girl, 1772-3, © The Wallace Collection, Photo: The National Gallery, London

The Strawberry Girl
Joshua Reynolds,
The Strawberry Girl, 1772-3,
© The Wallace Collection,
Photo: The National Gallery, London

Hopefully see you there!

Joshua Reynolds, Mrs Mary Robinson, 1783-4, © The Wallace Collection, Photo: The National Gallery, London

Joshua Reynolds,
Mrs Mary Robinson, 1783-4,
© The Wallace Collection,
Photo: The National Gallery, London

wallacecollection.org

Song Ceramics

Chinese Ceramics of the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD), Eskenazi Ltd, 10 Clifford Street, London W1, 8th – 29th May 2015,

Blue-glazed Splashed Stoneware Dish Jin period, 12th - 13th century Jun kilns, Henan province Diameter: 18.5cm

Blue-glazed Splashed Stoneware Dish
Jin period, 12th – 13th century
Jun kilns, Henan province
Diameter: 18.5cm

These thirty very special ceramics which make up this selling exhibition come from an important private collection.

Glazed Porcellaneous Stoneware Moulded ‘Dragon’ Dish Northern Song - Jin period, 12th - 13th century Ding kilns, Hebei province Diameter: 23.1cm

Glazed Porcellaneous Stoneware Moulded ‘Dragon’ Dish
Northern Song – Jin period, 12th – 13th century
Ding kilns, Hebei province
Diameter: 23.1cm

Considered a golden age, China under the Song dynasty was prosperous and a place of change and invention whether social, economic or “scientific”. For the latter think printed bank notes, the use of gunpowder and, as this exhibition so ably proves, ceramic design and techniques.

Green-grey-glazed Stoneware Dish Southern Song period, 12th - 13th century Guan ware, Hangzhou kilns, Zhejiang province Diameter: 13.0cm

Green-grey-glazed Stoneware Dish
Southern Song period, 12th – 13th century
Guan ware, Hangzhou kilns, Zhejiang province
Diameter: 13.0cm

Song ceramics have had a lasting impact on the world of ceramics and been held in high esteem ever since they were first produced. By the 15th century they were being copied in China and their influence can be traced in Art and Studio pottery movements of the West until this day.

Black-glazed Stoneware ‘Leaf’ Bowl - side view Southern Song period, 12th - 13th century Jizhou ware, Jiangxi province Diameter: 15.2cm

Black-glazed Stoneware ‘Leaf’ Bowl – side view
Southern Song period, 12th – 13th century
Jizhou ware, Jiangxi province
Diameter: 15.2cm

Works from both the Northern Song (960-1127 AD) and Southern Song (1127-1279 AD) periods are included. As one might expect these serene objects have been garnered from the collections of some of the great Western Twentieth century collections, including Mr & Mrs Alfred Clark, Alfred Schoenlicht, Johannes Hellner and Lord Cunliffe.

Black-glazed Stoneware ‘Leaf’ Bowl Southern Song period, 12th - 13th century Jizhou ware, Jiangxi province Diameter: 15.2cm

Black-glazed Stoneware ‘Leaf’ Bowl
Southern Song period, 12th – 13th century
Jizhou ware, Jiangxi province
Diameter: 15.2cm

http://www.eskenazi.co.uk