NEAC20 LATEST VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2020 21:18 Page 3
Note from the President by Peter Brown, President
Since our last exhibition, the world has been shaken by dramatic changes that have threatened and inhibited many aspects of our lives. Amidst the dislocation, however, some things have not merely survived, but have thrived and flourished. Art – the making of it and the enjoyment of it – has remained as a compelling constant. Many of our artists have expressed a common feeling of guilty freedom, “We can just paint.” Our audiences similarly have turned to art with a real hunger during this period. This burgeoning amidst troubled times can be seen periodically within the history of the New English Art Club. In 2023, we will exhibit for the seventh time with the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, whose archives reveal – remarkably – that three of these exhibitions were held during the Second World War. Fittingly, our annual lecture this year by David Boyd Haycock looks at the five ‘crisis of brilliance’ painters: Spencer, Nash, Nevinson, Gertler and Carrington, whose careers were dramatically shaped by the First and Second World Wars.
Looking to our current membership, we can share the wonderful news that Diana Armfield celebrated her 100th birthday this year, but that also we sadly lost Ann Le Bas. We draw inspiration from both these extraordinarily strong women: their positivity and attitude to art and life is an example to us all. We imagine Ann would have been undaunted by current troubled times. Diana similarly appears able to take all in her stride – in Wales one minute, in Kew the next, writing long letters to friends and colleagues, and painting at the height of her powers. They are a reminder that beyond stoicism, this show should be a celebration of the human spirit. An important factor in the success of the New English is the support of our followers and friends, in particular the generosity of Richard and Alison Chenevix-Trench and the backing of Chris Beetles who exhibited our members at his gallery in February. Support from both has amongst other things helped us produce this catalogue to reach those that may not be able to visit the exhibition in London. Chris Beetles has also offered one of two new prizes, both to encourage new talent: The Chris Beetles Gallery Award for Figurative Art for a non-member and the Hermione Hammond Drawing Award for an artist aged 35 or under. Visiting exhibitions has been transformed recently. There is more room, less bustle and at the Mall Galleries with its large, calm, spaces, the COVID-secure layout is proving a very congenial way to view paintings. If you feel comfortable travelling, I urge you to visit. If you cannot make it to the gallery, please enjoy this catalogue and visit the exhibition and all the events we have online. We miss the parties and the contact but the painting goes on! Peter Brown President, New English Art Club
Events, Talks & Tours Exclusively online With safety in mind, all our events surrounding the Annual Exhibition will be online this year. Further details and instructions on how you can view the events are available on the Mall Galleries website. Wednesday 11 November, 5pm NEAC President Peter Brown introduces the winners of this year’s prizes and awards, exclusively online. Saturday 14 November, 12 noon ‘Creative Women’. Melissa Scott-Miller and Julie Jackson film each other in discussion & talk with other women artists from the New English Art Club. Monday 16 November, 10:30am Virtual Exhibition Tour with Louise Balaam NEAC. Wednesday 18 November, 1:30pm Annual Lecture (online) ‘The Slade School of Art and the NEAC, c.1908-1914’ by David Boyd Haycock. Friday 20 November, 11am Live Painting Demonstration with Peter Brown. Peter Brown, Summer Morning Light, The Studio Oil 122 x 51 cm £8,000