Dulwich Picture Gallery is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, and even better on a gorgeous spring day. When a very exclusive tour is arranged for members of the Canadian Women’s Club and is given by the Director of the Gallery himself, it turns into an exceptionally special occasion!
Ian Dejardin, Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery
We were thrilled when Lily Harriss (our Canadian connection at the Gallery – see our earlier entry about Lily) arranged a visit for our members to the Paul Nash exhibit at the Gallery. She was able to spare some time to join us for tea and coffee (and delicious biscuits) before Ian Dejardin gave us a personal introduction to the exhibit and a tour of the Gallery’s buildings.
With his background as a curator, Ian gave a fascinating introduction to Paul Nash’s life and art. As well as giving us a greater understanding of how Nash came to be one of England’s greatest 20th century painters, Ian advised us to ‘look for the snakes’ – a sign or symbol that Nash added to certain pieces. No one knows why Nash did this. Ian also talked to us about the some of similarities found in Nash’s work with that of some Group of Seven artists, presumably gained around the same time, or through sharing similar experiences when Group of Seven artists spent time in Europe.
Given the sunshine and blossoming trees and shrubs, it made sense to then move outside do a tour of the Gallery’s buildings and for Ian to tell us a bit more about the Gallery’s history. Here’s a tip from Ian: When you have the chance to visit, walk right around the main building itself so that you can see the façade that Sir John Soane’s architectural design intended as the ‘front’ of the Gallery. As Ian told us, if you’ve ever visited any of the western world’s grandest art galleries, their design is undoubtedly based on that of the Dulwich Picture Gallery - the 'original' grand public art gallery.
Our huge thanks to Ian and Lily for making it such a wonderful event for us. The Paul Nash exhibit runs until May 9th and is highly recommended.
You will be interested in knowing that Ian and Lily are both involved in planning the Tom Thomson and Group of Seven exhibition that will open in 2011. You can read Ian Dejardin's blog entry about his visit to Toronto by clicking here. Another CWC special event to be planned! In the meantime, Canadians in the UK will be pleased to know that there are some Group of Seven postcards and notecards available at the Gallery’s shop…no need to return to Canada to stock up!
Submitted by Barbara Richards
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