For a while now I have been interested in finding a source
for short articles on art- preferably on topics I know next to nothing about- which I could dip into to expand my areas of interest. I'm hoping I could have found this in The Burlington Magazine. Founded in 1903, the magazine publishes articles based on 'original research, presenting new works, art-historical discoveries and fresh interpretations.' Additionally, it has a handy monthly calendar on the majority of the must-see exhibitions across the world. Upon receiving it, I can now report it is also made with quality paper and printing. In an age of ever expanding platforms from which to access articles, I do love holding something like this (rather than a screen!)
As I’ve said, I really wanted to read something that could
expand my knowledge and introduce me to new things to be interested in. Timothy
Wilcox’s informative and concise article on the works of Laura and Harold Knight
during the First World War has achieved this. As Wilcox explains, it is
probably only Laura Knight’s gender which prevented her from becoming one of
the best known and appreciated British artists of the time. Her Camp Life
and other pictures opened at the Leicester Galleries in February 1918. The
28 works she displayed there contrasted compellingly. Whilst some the paintings
depicted soldiers in physical training, others portrayed life at home. The
women she painted seem suspended between normal life and the war overseas. As
Wilcox notes, this was at a time when women were coming closer to being granted
suffrage. This political and historical turning point is a clear message behind
Knight’s paintings, perhaps most clearly seen in The Cornish Coast. One
of the women sits, seemingly deflated, staring out to sea, wearing formal plain
clothes. The other stands, hands on hips, far more bold a figure, in red and
black.
At a time of such change, it is regrettable it could not
come fast enough to give Knight the fame she deserved. I am pleased I was able
to read more about her, and hope the next issues of the magazine are as
informative.
