Sheila Fell (RA) and much more

Sheila Fell (RA) - Retrospective and a painting recovered

Firstly, Sheila Fell (RA). Some wonderful things are happening in the world of the late Miss Fell. Currently on until March is the most wonderful retrospective of Sheila’s work at Tullie in Carlisle; ninety five works, many not seen since the 1950s and 60s, adorn the newly re-opened gallery room. It is an absolute must for anyone who has an appreciation of her work; for those that don’t, go anyway, it’ll change your preconceptions, for those who may harbour such wickedness.

On show is one painting in particular we’d like to mention. Cumbrian Farm, from 1979, was removed from Sheila’s studio by Anna, Sheila’s daughter, upon the artist’s tragic death in 1979, aged just forty eight. Stored for the decades since in less than ideal conditions, we took charge of it in May this year and for five months it’s been the subject of top-tier conservation, bringing it back to the life it once expected. It’s one of the most commanding paintings of the retrospective, at 133 x 152 cm, and is now available to its next custodian, subject to continued Tullie exhibition until March.

Also, to round the Fell news up, a Catalogue Raisonne will appear mid next year of Sheila’s work. Compiled after many years of painstaking work by Andrew and Eleanor Bradley, who have also brilliantly curated the Tullie exhibition, it promises to be a must-have for any collector or fan of her work.

New Acquisitions

As always, we’ve been busy. Much new-to-the-gallery work has been tracked down and brought back to Castlegate House. Several works from our affordable Mid Century Modern Alternatives selection have been obtained; works from the 1920s to the 1970s, abstract, portraiture, landscapes, they all have one thing in common, we’ve come across them on our travels and couldn’t leave them behind. Many if not most sit below the £1,000 level, ideal for an indulgent Christmas!

Andy Warhol

We also recently acquired a quite wonderful large and powerful Andy Warhol drawing on coloured paper from 1974 of fellow artist, Man Ray. Sold through his Italian gallery representatives in 1975, this really is quite something and needs to be seen in-flesh to properly appreciate it. 

Colin Pearson - four from the US

We’ve long been of the opinion that the late Colin Pearson was one of if not the most compelling of British art-potters of the last century. We’ve recently acquired four pieces from the US, including perhaps the largest he produced and an excuisite white small stem bowl. All four were produced by Colin when out in the US in 1987, when conducting a series of pottery workshops across the NE states. It was at the invitation of fellow ceramic artist Ray Bub who had worked with Colin in Aylesford, Kent in 1971-2. All four were made in Ray’s studio by Colin and have remained with him and his fellow artist, Susan, for the last thirty seven years until our recent acquisition. Just top-notch ceramic creation.

Norman Cornish exhibition

Finally, our current exhibition of works by the late Norman Cornish  has been very successful and brilliantly attended. As a reminder, it carries on until Saturday 30^th, after which all will change. So, if you’d like to see what others have very much enjoyed, do come along in the next few remaining days.

All for now,

Steve and Christine