Reflecting at The National Gallery (and The Arnolfini)

National Gallery - Van Eyck

For quite a few weeks (before and after my CityLit class - Looking at Paintings)  I've been wandering in the National Gallery trying to locate The Arnolfini - yes there seems to be an ongoing re-hang but I know that this picture is on the 'must see' list for many visitors (including those Russians who think there's a Putin resemblance).

[A nice commentary on the painting here]

Well yesterday as my Tuesday appointment with art I decided to take a look at 'Reflections...' exhibition and to my delight it was pretty much about Van Eyck and his inspiring of  the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

I'm not sure how well this exhibition has been marketed - but |I really enjoyed it both the scale and content were well considered, the fact that it was not too congested helped too as did the excellent film  that positioned the works on show.

The exhibition included the only completed work by the 'all rounder' William Morris (La Belle Iseult 1857-8 ) which shows that he had talent as an artist amongst his other skills.



What is interesting too is the way that the Brotherhood who were iconoclastic at the time of their formation are now considered (or their work is)  as quite 'chocolate box-y'.

I do like the way the use of small brushes means the work looks (to me) in some instances quite Hyper-real and their use of particular items (books etc.) leads to a narrative reading.

The Exhibition felt unhurried 

Unusually the exhibition has particular mirrors on show as this was part of the inspiration than the Arnolfini featured -  this did make me smile.


The one work I felt could have been omitted (on aesthetic grounds) was the John Phillip Partial copy of 'Las Meninas' but this does help with the history of how the National Gallery purchase of the Van Eyck was such a strong influence on the Brotherhood.


I guess it's hard to imagine in our 'super- connected' world how the physical arrival in the Gallery could have such an impact on a group of students.

After seeing the exhibition I took a look as the works on show in the Gallery of Gerard David another Artist from the low countries who was active after Van Eyck - another impressive artist

Here 's The Virgin and Child with saints and donor by David

A lovely painting The Virgin and Child with Saints and Donor 

And more art that highlights the strength of  the  Netherlands artists here shown in the work of the Italian artist Antonello da Messina.

And this... Saint Jerome at his study by Antonella Da Messina  

[The exhibition also helped me realise how works are shared for exhibitions, plenty of Tate works here and also that the early acquisitions have earlier numbers]

Walthamstow, William Morris and a Borough of Culture

Last week I and a friend from a previous CityLit course met at the  William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow - of late we've met up fairly regularly to look around exhibitions and museums - it's great both in terms of the visits and the chats that we have.

A former home of William Morris 

This time our trip was to look around a house where the renowned Socialist William Morris lived - we've both been before (me about 4 years ago) - it was really good and as was subsequently pointed out to me May Morris (his daughter) is often overlooked but her life and talents are shown here and were of great interest to me.

A Plaque on the house

The London Mayor's initiative to promote a Borough of Culture (which has created interest in my home borough of Ealing) is also creating some traction in Walthamstow as well.




The idea of the Gallery is I suppose both to celebrate the man and his work - previously it had not really registered that he'd done so much in his 62 years - interesting too to learn that Jeremy Deller was also a fan.

The Borough looking to its heritage 

Looking at the work I was a little underwhelmed by much of the design and philosophy that implied all could aspire to it but the final part of the exhibition made clear that Morris recognised his privilege but wished for others to have what he did - he spoke at demonstrations, made speeches and wrote supporting his Socialist beliefs - I was won around.

Walthamstow is after the £1m too

The Brexit Budget Statement  & The Archers

Am  I the only one to see the current Radio 4 Archers stories as an Allegory against Brexit - who are Matt and his cohorts if not Messrs Farage, Gove and Co?

[Oh yes I think Auntie Chris could be Mrs May - the one who ran through a farmers field!]

Well of course I could be wrong but on a different tack nearly a week on from a barely noticeable Tory budget but a clear statement on the anticipated UK economy performance along with reports of dodgy dealing from those seeking influence with British voters.

So David Davis MP shows his discomfit by  spams of  awkward laughter suggests to the EU negotiators that they should not put  political posturing ahead of the economic good having been part of a campaign based pretty much on this sentiments seems rich but it's not only Davis who is out of his depth Dr Liam Fox racks up the air  miles (without his adviser friend) trying to get countries like NZ and Australia to replace the trade whole created by Brexit  (and in the meantime blaming UK exporters for the mess we find ourselves in).