Exhibition Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November 2013
What is it that might awaken the real passion of the aspiring fine artist, the emerging photographer, the budding ceramicist or film maker?
Inspiring young artists to think big, be brave, be bold can be a challenge for today’s art teacher within the confines of the classroom and a staid examination syllabus. So how do we take the student beyond those constraints and allow them to experience the world that stimulates the real artist?
The Fine Art Society of New Bond Street has innovatively addressed this challenge for one school, Shropshire based Moreton Hall, by offering a unique opportunity for the school to celebrate their centenary with a showcase of art from girls current and past. The gallery, one of the world’s oldest commercial dealerships, has always championed and worked directly with living artists, giving The Camden Town Group their first show and inventing the concept of the solo exhibition with James McNeill Whistler in 1880.
“What a brilliant opportunity this is”, explains teacher and artist Lizzie Langford (Thurman). “To have a fine art exhibition at The FAS on your CV before even leaving school is an incredible qualification for these young artists to have”. The school ran a competition on the theme of‘Woman’, open to anyone with a link to Moreton Hall, with the finalists being offered a space at The Fine Art Society Exhibition in November. “The response was tremendous from both within and outside the school.”
Cordelia Bourne, of the Modern British Art department at The Fine Art Society – also an Old Moretonian – was on the committee which selected the 40 works from over 300 entries. “It was thoroughly enjoyable”, she said. “I was extremely impressed by the range of references in the work of the school’s current pupils, and their awareness of international contemporary art”.
Principal of Moreton Hall, Jonathan Forster, adds: “We cannot overstate what an enormous and generous opportunity The Fine Art Society has given Moreton Hall to help us both celebrate our centenary but also give our girls an unique opportunity to exhibit in one of London’s finest galleries. We hope that anyone with an interest in emerging artists will take the opportunity to visit the exhibition.”
The exhibition features paintings by Sir Kyffin Williams (1918-2006), an Old Moretonian and one of just a handful of boys to attend the School in the 20th century, Mildred Elsi Eldridge (1909-1991) artist of the ‘Dance of Life’ murals of 1951 for the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Gobowen and wife of the poet R S Thomas, who taught art at Moreton Hall, as well as Denise Bates, one of her most talented pupils who also worked in murals. Bourne is particularly pleased that two mural paintings by Denise Bates which form part of a frieze in Moreton Hall’s large Dining Room are travelling to London for the show. “They’re wonderful”, she said “and in the direct tradition of Rex Whistler and Eric Ravilious, both artists who are associated with the gallery, and have considerable technical accomplishment.” A strong contemporary vibe is introduced by artworks from more recent leavers and current pupils at the School.
The exhibition runs over the weekend of November 16th and 17th2013, at The Fine Art Society, 148 New Bond Street, London. Saturday 10am – 9pm; Sunday 10am – 3pm. Drinks Reception Saturday 16th 6pm-9pm.