Artist’s torn canvas back together and on display

A RACY painting by well-known Beverley artist Fred Elwell, which was torn in two before being put back together, has gone on display at a gallery.

The painting, done by Elwell when he was in Paris in 1896, depicts an Artist’s Appreciation Evening, men and women enjoying a free-spirited evening, with wine, cigarettes and a naked woman on a pedestal – perhaps a sculpture or even a live model.

Curator Helena Cox of Beverley Art Gallery said: “It was found at one of Fred’s studios in Beverley.

“Allegedly, it has been kept in two pieces for a long time.

“So, someone must have been so upset with the piece that they tried to destroy it, and then someone else must have loved it so much they’ve done all they could to save it.”

She said they were indebted to the Friends of Beverley Art Gallery, who bought the black and white painting at auction, adding: “There is no other Elwell quite like it not only in our collection but also in any other UK collection, as far as we know.”