Suitable for: Adults
In this collection we have chosen works from four centuries of English art. From the time of Queen Elizabeth I to that of Queen Elizabeth II, from the 1600’s to the present day. These works of art demonstrate the talent of a succession of English artists (plus one Welshman and one American both of whom worked here in the English tradition) and they relate to some very important periods in our history. A great read for history buffs and those interested in social history.
Two little girls aged seven and eleven are lighting Chinese paper lanterns in a garden full of carnations, lilies and roses at dusk. Sargent reveals this abundant scene to us from a vantage point just above the garden. Immediately we are caught up in the mood of childlike enchantment which comes from the ever changing mysteries of mauve twilight in a luxuriant garden.However, the idea of the subject of this painting evolved in less tranquil circumstances. Sargent and Edwin Abbey, another painter, took a boat trip on the River Thames setting out at Oxford for Windsor. Near Pangbourne, whilst bathing, Sargent dived from a weir and cut his head open very severely on a concealed spike. The accident was so serious that he had to extend his stay and during this time he saw the effect of Chinese lanterns hung among trees and beds of lilies.
Portrait Miniature by Nicholas Hilliard
Endymion Porter by William Dobson
Calais Gate by William Hogarth with detail
Thames Near Marble Hill by Richard Wilson
Brook Boothby by Wright of Derby
The Morning Walk by Thomas Gainsborough
Soldiers of the 10th Light Dragoon Guards by George Stubbs
Carnation, Lily, Lily Rose by John Singer Sargent
Totes Meer (Dead Sea) by Paul Nash
Seated Figure by Francis Bacon
EnjoyedAlthough I have no sight now, I used to have a little, and at least could see colours, so love the descriptions of colours and subtle shades. I also very much enjoy the biographical information about the artists, and the contexts in which they lived.Library Member
