Clare White (1903-1997) – An exhibition of 20th Century Watercolours

Bright and colourful watercolours painted by a friend of Dame Barbara Hepworth will be exhibited at The Orangery, Wakefield from Monday 16th January to Wednesday 28th March 2012.

Artist Clare White was born in Sidmouth, Devon in 1903 and moved to St Ives Cornwall in 1949 where she became an active member of the renowned art colony alongside sculptor Barbara Hepworth and other such luminaries as potter Bernard Leach and painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

White loved to travel and paint and this exhibition will feature a selection of her original watercolours from around the world - as well as a new limited edition print of a painting she produced in St Ives featuring an iconic Hepworth sculpture.

Exhibition curator Andrew Pollard said: “Clare White was a keen observer of the great British modern art movement of the mid-20th century as well as an accomplished artist in her own right. We are delighted to exhibit a selection of her work in the hometown of her friend, Barbara Hepworth.

“It will be a pleasure to launch this new print for sale at The Orangery during the exhibition.”

Clare White was a determined lady of independent spirit and a pioneer in many ways. At the Torquay School of Art, she was one of the first female students in the country allowed to paint life models. And in 1954 she became the first woman president of the prestigious St Ives Arts Club. She was an art critic, scenery painter and intrepid traveller speaking five languages fluently.

White’s artwork is reminiscent of the best book illustrations and travel posters of her day. Her flat bright colours and strong outlines produce cheerful, almost simplistic, images, which at the same time evoke the absolute atmosphere of a place on paper and skilfully capture the essence and detail of landscape, architecture and human expression.

Andrew said: “As a young woman, White exhibited with the Paris Salon, Royal Academy and at London galleries, but her work was overlooked commercially for many years in St Ives as the hugely important abstract modern art movement eclipsed all other styles of art. In the 1980s, she began receiving her own solo exhibitions in St Ives. Since her death, she has started to gain the recognition she deserves in Cornish art history.”

Clare White (1903-1997) – An exhibition of 20th Century Watercolours will be open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. It will show original paintings and prints from Barbados, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily and England. All works for sale.

Find out about the installation of this exhibition at the Clare White Gallery Blog.

Venue
The Orangery, Back Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TG
01924 215 550
http://www.the-orangery.uk.net

Dates
Exhibition runs from Monday 16th January – Wednesday 28th March 2012. Regular gallery opening hours are Monday – Friday 10am-4pm.

Private View & Artwalk Openings
The exhibition’s private view will take place during the Wakefield Artwalk on Wednesday 25th January 5pm-9pm.
The exhibition will also be open as part of the Wakefield Artwalk on Wednesday 28th March 5pm-9pm.

Special Event: Clare White Exhibition Talk and Wine-Tasting
Friday 24 February, 7-10pm
As part of the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink & Rhubarb, we are delighted to team up with Calder Wine to offer a unique evening of art and wine tasting at The Orangery. Sample a specially selected range of wines whilst taking in the Clare White exhibition in our gallery space and hearing more about the artist’s life, works and extensive travels from exhibition curator Andrew Pollard. Click for further information and bookings.