A FLOCK OF SPARROWS Celebrating the art of Dr Geoffrey Sparrow
true Edwardian, Dr Geoffrey Sparrow came to
A
An account of his experiences was published in a book
Horsham 100 years ago after serving with
he co-wrote -‘On Four Fronts with the Royal Naval
distinction in the First World War. For the next
Division’. The book is noted not only for its accuracy
fifty years, he portrayed the countryside and town,
and descriptive accounts of warfare, but also for his
illustrating the scenes of everyday life with wit and
illustrations. In 1919 he moved to Horsham where he
charm, revealing a master of the caricature, be it man
joined a local medical practice.
or beast. Now marking fifty years since his death,
Dr Sparrow lived for three things – hunting, art and
Horsham Museum and Art Gallery is hosting a “Flock
medicine. It was not the ‘kill’ but the camaraderie of
of Sparrows”, a major retrospective of a comic genius.
the hunt that he enjoyed, which so obviously comes
A doctor who could write “Harley Street is an address
out in the pictures on display. Some people today
not a medical qualification”, illustrate the chaos of
might suggest these pictures glorify hunting. What
1950s West Street with echoes of Hogarth and
they glorify is not the actual killing of animals but the
Rowlandson, the horse out-foxing the rider and be
horse, hound and sportsman working together within
awarded the Military Cross in both World War I and
the Sussex landscape.
World War II, whilst serving the community, is worthy
A Flock of Sparrows is the culmination of Horsham
of celebration. This exhibition focuses on his artistic
Museum and Art Gallery’s contribution to Horsham
life.
District’s Year of Culture. Over the year, the Museum
Dr Geoffrey Sparrow was born on13th July 1887
has celebrated the artistic creativity and heritage of
without any public ceremony or celebration. He grew
the District and this exhibition blends the two
up in a Devonshire home surrounded by sporting
elements together, to portray a culture out of which
books, prints and illustrations. He went into medicine
we still see echoes today, but is changing as new
as it was one of the professions, which in those days,
artists explore the culture with fresh eyes.
was counted as just about acceptable next to army,
The Flock will be nesting at the Museum on 21st
law or the church. (All of the latter he had strong
December, and flying away on 7th March 2020.
opinions about).
Horsham Museum is open 10-5pm Monday-Saturday,
After studying medicine at Cambridge and Barts, he served as a doctor in the Great War with distinction.
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FEBRUARY 2020
excluding public holidays. Free admission. www.horshammuseum.org Please mention SOUTHWATER Life when responding to adverts