Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013
Curated by Jason Sumray
15-28 April 2016
Ron Delavigne’s extraordinary images were defined by his experiences as a Far East POW from 1942 to 1945. Trained at St Martins, his paintings always had a strong brooding mood and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries for his fine draughtsmanship and sensitivity. This exhibition concentrates on his late work which is characterised by its increasingly spare and focussed imagery. What finally surfaced from deep within were haunting, inexplicable images that spoke indirectly. Not specifically ‘war paintings’, but images that had emerged from an artist who had been forced to look at the core of things and has witnessed humanity stripped down and laid bare.
Despite some early success with a solo show at the Alwin Gallery, London and his work collected by some prominent figures, Delavigne shunned the art world and preferred a quiet, almost hermitic existence, his paintings known only to a few. This is the first time these works have been seen in public.
A reccurring theme in Delavigne’s work was his haunting images of owls perched on a post. It was, perhaps, an image that stood in for the suppressed memory of experience. At the age of 79, he transformed it, for one time only, to a decapitated head on a stick with flies buzzing around: the gruesome punishment he had witnessed in Changi jail. The painting ‘The Time of Silence’ is now in the Imperial War Museum Collection. A full size reproduction will form part of the Highgate show. Visitors to the exhibition will be also be able to listen to Delavigne’s moving testament recorded for the Imperial War Museum in 1998.
Delavigne’s troubled imagery was rendered in the English romantic landscape tradition to which he had his stylistic roots. Although certainly influenced by Goya’s etchings and Black Paintings, Delavigne was never an overt expressionist. It seems that he couldn’t help but instil his disturbing images with a quiet English poetry. The potent mix of subtle lyricism with stark imagery is compelling. There is an exhilarating mix of delicacy and rawness, beauty and bleakness.
Ron Delavigne lived his whole life in Highgate and died aged 94 in 2013. His gravestone, in the form of an artist’s palette, is in Highgate Cemetery. It is, of course, entirely appropriate to hold this exhibition in Highgate, where his widow Rita Delavigne continues to live.
A catalogue will accompany the show.
To coincide with ‘Paintings of Ron Delavigne 1919 -2013’ the Gallery is excited to host a Discussion Event on Sunday 17 April, 5-7pm, exploring the theme of Art, War and the Role of Memory. We are delighted to have as guest panellists Richard Cork: art historian, critic, broadcaster and exhibition curator, (‘A Bitter Truth: Avant-garde and the Great War: book and accompanying exhibition at RA)
Dr Glenn Sujo: writer, artist, educator and curator (‘Legacies of Silence: The Visual Arts and Holocaust Memory:’ book and accompanying exhibition at Imperial War Museum).
John Keane: painter, Gulf War artist, father was POW on Burma-Siam railway.
Albyn Leah Hall: novelist and psychotherapist. It will be chaired by Estelle Lovatt: FRSA – Independent art critic & art history Lecturer BBC Radio & TV.
Tickets: £10 on the door (£5 HLSI members) or reserve in advance on 020 8340 3343 or at admin@hlsi.net
Gallery open Tuesday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 11am-5pm; closed Mondays.
Two groups at the same time and in the same place.
For ages 5 to 7: Learn how to make wonderful pictures! An introduction to the basics of drawing and painting. The classes run on a termly basis. Each week children will build on their skills learnt in previous weeks. The class finishes with an informal ‘Private View’ of student work for friends and family.
For ages 8 to 12: Develop your skills and look at the styles and techniques of the great artists and art movements. Join our art teacher on a tour of perspective, compostion, colour therory and mixing, design and a variety of media to improve your drawing and painting and create your own masterpieces! The classes run on a termly basis and finish with an informal ‘Private View’ of student work for friends and family.
Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a famous retired actress, and her charming, unconventional family. Logos Theatre Company in association with Traffic of the Stage presents Hay Fever.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a famous retired actress, and her charming, unconventional family. Logos Theatre Company in association with Traffic of the Stage presents Hay Fever.
Plant Heritage GRAND PLANT SALE (NCCPG) Specialist Nurseries at St Michaels School, North Hill, Highgate N6 4BG Saturday 30th April 10am-3. 30pm.
Highgate councillors hold a surgery at the HLSI (Highgate Literary and Scientific Society, 11 South Grove, Pond Square) on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings, and at Jacksons Lane on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings. There is no surgery on 5th Saturdays.
Councillors’ surgeries provide the opportunity for a constituent to meet one of his/her councillors face-to-face. The purpose is usually to discuss and hopefully to help resolve a local or personal issue in which Haringey council has or could have a role. Meeting at a surgery can be particularly useful when there are numerous documents relevant to the issue. Surgeries are normally held in the members’ reading room of the HLSI, but a private space is available if required. No booking is needed.
Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a famous retired actress, and her charming, unconventional family. Logos Theatre Company in association with Traffic of the Stage presents Hay Fever.
Tea available at the Open Garden.
Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ is set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a famous retired actress, and her charming, unconventional family. Logos Theatre Company in association with Traffic of the Stage present Hay Fever.
Enjoy our house 5 piece Brazlian band perform from 6-9pm
Adriana vasques is a london based singer, pianist and composer. She graduated in classical piano in trieste, her italian hometown on the adriatic coast.
She has performed extensively in italy, slovenia and croatia at many well established venues and festivals, singing in jazz, pop and funk bands before choosing to perform mainly her brazilian song repertoire and her own compositions. Adriana has performed and recorded in italy with reputable musicians such as andrea allione (paolo conte), pietro tonolo (paul motian, gil evans orchestra), glauco venier (kenny wheeler, norma winstone), elvis stanić (gilberto gil, django bates), luis bonilla (mingus big band, lester bowie) as well as many others.
Alongside her performing career, she has also worked as a music tutor and radio host. For over twenty years she has produced and hosted several music radio shows in which she has welcomed and embraced a variety of musical styles , interviewed dozens of musicians as well as other professionals in the musical world .
After defending her graduation thesis on five of her compositions in relation to rhythmic didactics, one of her compositions, nu-mi (danza), was awarded first prize at “ premio nazionale delle arti “ in rome and has since been recorded by other musicians in three different albums. Adriana has started performing her own compositions recently.
After moving to london in 2009, she toured europe and canada with the irish cult band the commitments , over the past few years she has performed with some of the best musicians on the london scene.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
Acts include the likes of the following:-
SEAN HARGREAVES (Keys), NEVILLE MALCOLM (Bass),
SIMON LEA (Drums)
Neville Malcolm – Electric & Double bass – is one of the most in-demand bass players in the country. Known as ‘Level-Neville’, he is an understated star on both acoustic and electric bass, combining an earthy, soulful feel with effortless technical ability.
Coming from a background in Gospel music, Neville started out playing organ and guitar, switching to bass as he developed an ever greater interest in jazz and other music.
Turning professional in the early ‘90s, he worked with Philip Bent and Steve Williamson and became part of London’s Acid Jazz scene.
He has since performed all over the world and recorded with Billy Cobham, Gabrielle, Tom Jones, Carl Orr, Alex Wilson, Nathan Haynes, Marlene Shaw, Dave Valentin and Jack DeJohnette. Most recently he has been touring and recording with two of the world’s best known jazz crossover groups, Incognito and Us3.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
A friendly and fun dance fitness class for children aged five to seven, based on ZumbaKids routines. We break down steps, add games and explore different regions of the globe.
Two groups at the same time and in the same place.
For ages 5 to 7: Learn how to make wonderful pictures! An introduction to the basics of drawing and painting. The classes run on a termly basis. Each week children will build on their skills learnt in previous weeks. The class finishes with an informal ‘Private View’ of student work for friends and family.
For ages 8 to 12: Develop your skills and look at the styles and techniques of the great artists and art movements. Join our art teacher on a tour of perspective, compostion, colour therory and mixing, design and a variety of media to improve your drawing and painting and create your own masterpieces! The classes run on a termly basis and finish with an informal ‘Private View’ of student work for friends and family.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
Highgate councillors hold a surgery at Jacksons Lane on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings, and at the HLSI (Highgate Literary and Scientific Society, South Grove, Pond Square) on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings. There is no surgery on 5th Saturdays.
Councillors’ surgeries provide the opportunity for a constituent to meet one of his/her councillors face-to-face. The purpose is usually to discuss and hopefully to help resolve a local or personal issue in which Haringey council has or could have a role. Meeting at a surgery can be particularly useful when there are numerous documents relevant to the issue. Surgeries are normally held in the cafe or foyer area of Jacksons Lane theatre, but a private space is available if required. No booking is needed.
Enjoy our house 5 piece Brazlian band perform from 6-9pm
Adriana vasques is a london based singer, pianist and composer. She graduated in classical piano in trieste, her italian hometown on the adriatic coast.
She has performed extensively in italy, slovenia and croatia at many well established venues and festivals, singing in jazz, pop and funk bands before choosing to perform mainly her brazilian song repertoire and her own compositions. Adriana has performed and recorded in italy with reputable musicians such as andrea allione (paolo conte), pietro tonolo (paul motian, gil evans orchestra), glauco venier (kenny wheeler, norma winstone), elvis stanić (gilberto gil, django bates), luis bonilla (mingus big band, lester bowie) as well as many others.
Alongside her performing career, she has also worked as a music tutor and radio host. For over twenty years she has produced and hosted several music radio shows in which she has welcomed and embraced a variety of musical styles , interviewed dozens of musicians as well as other professionals in the musical world .
After defending her graduation thesis on five of her compositions in relation to rhythmic didactics, one of her compositions, nu-mi (danza), was awarded first prize at “ premio nazionale delle arti “ in rome and has since been recorded by other musicians in three different albums. Adriana has started performing her own compositions recently.
After moving to london in 2009, she toured europe and canada with the irish cult band the commitments , over the past few years she has performed with some of the best musicians on the london scene.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
This will take place on Monday May 9 led by Zeb Soanes and Ruth Hazeldine featuring insights into the lives of famous literary figures in Highgate. The walk will include readings by Zeb Soanes, BBC Newsreader.
Price, including a cream tea, is £12. Places are limited. Please apply by April 30 with s.a.e to Ruth Hazeldine 52 Jacksons Lane, N6 5SX. Phone 020 8340 5446 for more info.
Full details will be sent with your ticket. Cheques made out to Highgate Society.
What is Mindfulness?
‘Mindfulness’ is at the very heart of meditational practice and trains us to focus on the present moment. This allows us to gain insight into mental patterns that sometimes cause negative emotions. We also learn, through experience what it means to spend less time with our thoughts and spend more time in our bodies enjoying life. It can be practiced by people from all walks of life and is becoming more and more popular as a means of psychological treatment. There is now a strong evidence base demonstrating that it can be very beneficial for those experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as many other conditions. Mindfulness allows us to make friends with our thinking mind making us less vulnerable to negative mental activity. Such practice can bring about a deep sense of inner peace and a fresh acceptance of reality itself.
The Eight Sessions
This new and innovative group will take place over eight weekly sessions, each of 2-hours duration and covers the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation, applied theory and practice. Some aspects of CBT will also be used within the course syllabus where required to help group members to deal with dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviours. This specific group has been successfully taught in several London universities and also within the NHS. This group will help you to:
- improve your focus and concentration levels
- lower bodily stress and increase relaxation
- explore how your mind works
- explore how your mind habitually creates unhealthy thought processes and worry
- help you to prevent the arising of depressive moods before they spiral
- achieve a robust and healthy mind, accepting reality and the world around you
- work towards acceptance of unhealthy emotions
- achieve a deep sense of calm, patience and stillness
- grow and mature as a true human being and explore what it means to be ‘me’
This will be particularly helpful for those people experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, attention problems or any condition involving a fast-thinking anxious mind.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Commitment to the full x8 weekly sessions is imperative, as is the diligent undertaking of daily life meditation tasks between sessions. Only those people who are willing to make the commitment and complete the between session tasks should attend. Places are limited to ensure a high quality of client support. This course is open to everyone but attendance must be booked in advance and approved by the course leader before the beginning of the programme. All attendees must be 18+ with any exceptions discussed prior to the beginning of the course.
Venues:
* Monday Highgate Class – Jackson’s Lane, 269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA (directly opposite Highgate tube)
* Tuesday Colchester (Essex) Class – Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High St, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH
Course Start Dates:
* Highgate (North London) Class – Monday evenings beginning on 4th April 2016 for 8 weeks
|
Highgate Dates (8-weeks minus bank holidays) |
|
|
|
|
04 Apr 2016 – Session 1 |
|
||
|
11 Apr 2016 – Session 2 |
|
||
|
18 Apr 2016 – Session 3 |
|
||
|
25 Apr 2016 – Session 4 |
|
|
|
|
09 May 2016 – Session 5 |
|
||
|
16 May 2016 – Session 6 |
|
||
|
23 May 2016 – Session 7 |
|
||
|
06 Jun 2016 – Session 8 |
|
* Colchester (Essex) Class – Tuesday evenings – Awaiting New Dates
Times:
* Highgate, North London – 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Price: £225 (Concessions £195 for OAPS, F/T students, unemployed, if booking as a pair/couple) – please note this can be paid in x2 instalments, with half the payment being made as a deposit prior to the course and the balance being due just before session 1.
HOW TO BOOK? – To book your place please email: info@jamieshavdia.com or call 07792 755132. Booking instructions will then be emailed to you, including how to make your payment online.
“A History Of Gardening In 40 Objects” A talk by Christopher Woodward, Director of the Garden Museum
Monday 9th May at 6.45pm at The Highgate Society 10a South Grove
Followed by the Friends of Waterlow Park AGM.
Join the fitness party. Authentic Latin beats with a native dancer. Feel the tropical heat in Highgate! Ladies only (sorry guys)
Acts include the likes of the following:-
SEAN HARGREAVES (Keys), NEVILLE MALCOLM (Bass),
SIMON LEA (Drums)
Neville Malcolm – Electric & Double bass – is one of the most in-demand bass players in the country. Known as ‘Level-Neville’, he is an understated star on both acoustic and electric bass, combining an earthy, soulful feel with effortless technical ability.
Coming from a background in Gospel music, Neville started out playing organ and guitar, switching to bass as he developed an ever greater interest in jazz and other music.
Turning professional in the early ‘90s, he worked with Philip Bent and Steve Williamson and became part of London’s Acid Jazz scene.
He has since performed all over the world and recorded with Billy Cobham, Gabrielle, Tom Jones, Carl Orr, Alex Wilson, Nathan Haynes, Marlene Shaw, Dave Valentin and Jack DeJohnette. Most recently he has been touring and recording with two of the world’s best known jazz crossover groups, Incognito and Us3.