Eight great British Painters who, refusing the turn to the abstract and the esoteric in the wake of post-impressionism, stayed with figurative realism as the best way to communicate their deep affection for people and places.

This exhibition features the work of Augustus John, Laura Knight, Ruskin Spear, Carel Weight, William Bowyer, Peter Kuhfeld, Ken Howard and Peter Brown.

Each was to have significant interaction with the New English Art Club. Spear, Bowyer and Brown were presidents of the club. John and Kuhfeld were elected members. Laura Knight exhibited there, being powerfully influenced by her fellow Newlyn artists so many of whom were central in the emergence of NEAC. Carel Weight was never formally a member but was nevertheless close friends with Spear and instrumental in teaching William Bowyer at the RCA.

A particular highlight is the introduction of a major new acquisition: Ruskin Spear's Public House, a masterpiece of post war social realism.

ART EXHIBITION OPEN:

Thursday 8 October, 2pm to 4pm

and

Wednesday 14 October, 10am to 12noon

Tickets £12* via our website (click 'Book Tickets' below)

* suggested donation of £12 includes tea/coffee/biscuits and free parking - as well as the opportunity to explore the gardens and woodland.

Each year three different exhibitions are planned which are available to view at various Art Events and to interested groups who book by prior appointment.  Paintings are available for loan to approved Museums and Galleries, subject to arrangement.

For further reading click on this link to Dreweatts who interviewed our Curator, Simon Downham, and released this article about The Bowerman Collection