Portrait of an ARTIST
Laing Art Gallery New Bridge Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG ☎ 0191 278 1611 www.laingartgallery.org.uk
Portrait of an Artist at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne, is a major survey of 20th century British portraiture, exploring the personal lives and creative processes of some of the country’s leading portrait artists of the day, including Sir William Orpen, Ralph Hedley, Hilda Carline, Evelyn Dunbar, Winifrid Knights, William Roberts and Gilbert Spencer. Eighty-five oil paintings, drawings and prints have been divided into five themes: The Artist’s Studio; Self-Portraits; The Artist’s Entourage; Portraits of Artists by Artists; and Allegories of Creation.
‘Portrait of an Artist offers an opportunity to step into the inner world of the artist, bringing the lives and image of those who existed behind the canvas to the forefront,’ writes exhibition officer, Katie Irwin. ‘The exhibition is a varied account of how these artists viewed and lived in their worlds. It records the quiet interiors of artists’ studios and homes that will resonate with many of us following the past year, as well as the creative process that is often so mysterious to viewers. That some of the Laing’s most popular works, such as Ralph Hedley’s artist portraits and William Orpen’s self-portrait in homage to Jean Chardin, have been used to complement the exhibition is especially fitting.’
The exhibition will be accompanied by a major new publication by exhibition organisers, Liss Llewellyn.
Portrait of an Artist is at the Laing Art Gallery,
Newcastle upon Tyne, until February 26. Tickets can be pre-booked or purchased on the day. Watch a preview of the exhibition online now at www.laingartgallery.org.uk