The Legacy of Kettle’s Yard

1. House extension, downstairs Showing Italo Valenti’s collages (1964) and Lucie Rie’s bowl ‘The Wave’ (1971)

Looking at the origins of Kettle’s Yard in 1957, it is hard to imagine the legacy it has become. Although Jim Ede would have preferred a stately home, he was offered 4 tiny condemned slum dwellings from the president of the Cambridge Preservation Society.

The actual origins predate this. On first appearance it was his meeting Ben and Winifred Nicholson in about 1924 while he was an assistant at the Tate Gallery. In fact, it was a visit to the Louvre at 13 years of age and access to the Free Library at the Fitzwilliam at 15 where his love of early Italian painting began and started him on his collector’s journey. Continue reading “The Legacy of Kettle’s Yard”

Spots, Spots and Still More Spots …

Damien Hirst, Myth and Legend, by the entrance to the hall at HOUGHTON HALL, NORFOLK
Photo by Pete Huggins

The first Damien Hirst piece, Sensation, is encountred while driving to the carpark. From the car it look looks like something from an amusement park or fun fair. Looking like brightly coloured plastic. On closer inspection, it appears to be a magnification of a section of skin complete with hairs. Continue reading “Spots, Spots and Still More Spots …”

The Magical World of Alison Dunhill

Episodes

I went to the Fermoy Gallery in King’s Lynn to see Alison Dunhill’s exhibition ‘Plaster, Parquet and Pillars’ with great anticipation. My first impression was, “I love it!”

In this beautiful space with natural light coming in from above, the predominantly small scale work was excellently curated. Each piece is an island of discovery. An element of play is present. Continue reading “The Magical World of Alison Dunhill”

IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHELE SUMMERS

Interview with Esther Boehm

THIS YEAR WE FELT VERY PRIVILEGED TO HAVE VERONICA SEKULES OF GROUNDWORK GALLERY SELECT THE BEST IN SHOW (SYD DAVISON CUP) AT THE SUMMER EXHIBITION. SHE CHOSE YOUR WORK. HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
I was very surprised and it felt great to have my work chosen. It had been quite a struggle to get the pieces finished as I had a few false starts with the resin work. The precision needed with the technical side was at odds with the energy I wanted to portray in the work. The prize felt like a reward for my persistence! Continue reading “IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHELE SUMMERS”