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Oct
23
Fri
Monica Petzal: The Dresden Project – Indelible Marks @ Highgate Gallery
Oct 23 all-day

The Dresden Project – Indelible Marks is an ongoing reflection on the artist’s maternal family. Intended to further understanding and reconciliation, the project explores a rich personal archive, contemporary historical documentation, and the artist’s own experience, through the fertile medium of print. The exhibition was shown earlier this year in Dresden as part of the 70th commemoration of the bombing of the city by the Allies.

Printed using photolithographs over monoprint, complex collaged images of city, culture, and family hover above subtle painterly grounds. Initially they explore the narrative of the artist’s family from World War I in Eastern Prussia to their forced departure from Dresden in 1936, a process richly described by diarist Victor Klemperer. The project then turns to ‘the War in the Air’, the devastating effects of bombing, and its lead character Bomber Harris. It also considers some of the complexities of the heritage of the devastation and the prevalence of Neo Nazi activity in Dresden.

As the artist writes: ‘There is tragedy at the heart of my relationship to Dresden. The city that provided my mother and her parents with stability, prosperity and a remarkable cultural life from the early 1920’s, then repressed and excluded them, forced their departure in mid-1936 and was destroyed by the country that had offered them safe haven and a life free from persecution.

‘This work begins to repair my relationship with my complex heritage, with Dresden and with Germany. Having grown up in the heart of the German Jewish refugee community in North West London, I want this exhibition to recognise and emphasise the significance of individual stories, the importance of reconciliation and to prompt reflection on our attitude towards refugees.’

The exhibition will accompanied by an explanatory leaflet, and an outreach and education programme. A detailed text panel accompanies each image.

Monica Petzal will talk about her work in the gallery on:
Saturday 10th / Sunday 11th / Saturday 17th / Sunday 18th October at 2.30 pm.

The exhibition moves to the Herbert Museum in Coventry from 12th November to 27th February 2016, in conjunction with an installation by the artist for Coventry Cathedral to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Coventry.

Prints are available for purchase. For all details of the project, see www.monicapetzal.com

 

9-22 October: Open Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00; Saturday 11:00-16:00; Sunday 11:00-17:00. Closed Monday

 

Oct
29
Thu
HLSI Debate: Assisted Dying: Yes or No? @ HLSI
Oct 29 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Baroness Helene Hayman will argue for and Robert Preston against. Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 8pm,www.hlsi.net

Booked your place to ensure a seat!

Nov
13
Fri
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 13 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
14
Sat
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 14 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
15
Sun
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
17
Tue
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 17 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
18
Wed
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
19
Thu
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 19 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
20
Fri
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
21
Sat
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
22
Sun
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
23
Mon
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
24
Tue
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
25
Wed
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 25 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Nov
26
Thu
Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Nov 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This year our Annual HWG Exhibition will be held in the Victoria Hall of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS. We look forward to seeing you there.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm  and Sunday 11am-5pm Gallery closed: Monday

Feb
5
Fri
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 5 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
6
Sat
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 6 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
7
Sun
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
9
Tue
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
10
Wed
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 10 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
11
Thu
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 11 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
12
Fri
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 12 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
13
Sat
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 13 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
14
Sun
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 14 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
16
Tue
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
17
Wed
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 17 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Feb
18
Thu
HLSI Members’ Art Exhibition @ Highgate Gallery
Feb 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Prints, oils, pastels, photography and more … the talents of HLSI members are on show.

Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution members – professional artists and accomplished amateurs alike – will display their work during the eighth Members’ Art Exhibition at the Highgate Gallery from 5 to 18 February 2016. Previous exhibitions, starting in 1996, were indicative of Highgate’s vibrant artistic life; the 2016 show will again demonstrate the many and varied talents of our members.

Exhibitors’ work ranges from paintings, prints, collages, etchings and photographs to wall hangings. Throughout the exhibition, one of the artists will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Highgate Gallery and will be pleased to discuss the pieces on view. All works will be offered for sale.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Mar
5
Sat
Children’s Book Fair @ HLSI
Mar 5 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Bring your bear along to meet Hugless Douglas, lovable creation of children’s book writer and illustrator David Melling, at this year’s Children’s Book Fair on Saturday 5th March at HLSI .

There will be secondhand books and home-made cakes and biscuits for sale, children’s activities, face-painting, and competitions.

Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop will be here selling Hugless Douglas books.

Apr
14
Thu
HLSI Science Group. Intelligent Drones: Where we are starting from and what they may do for us in the future? The discussion will be led by Dr Joseph Barnard of Barnard Microsystems @ HLSI
Apr 14 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

The discussion will be led by Dr Joseph Barnard of Barnard Microsystems

Apr
15
Fri
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
16
Sat
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
17
Sun
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 17 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Discussion Event exploring the theme of Art, War and the Role of Memory. @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To coincide with the exhibition ‘Paintings of Ron Delavigne 1919 -2013’ Highgate 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

Apr
19
Tue
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 19 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
20
Wed
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
21
Thu
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
22
Fri
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
23
Sat
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
24
Sun
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.

 

Apr
26
Tue
Paintings by Ron Delavigne 1919-2013 @ Highgate Gallery
Apr 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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.