The National Portrait Gallery in London has selected one of The Atkinson’s portraits to promote their major new exhibition this July.
The National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world with collections on display in London and in a number of locations around the United Kingdom, including several houses managed by the National Trust.
Their major exhibition, Laura Knight’s Portraits runs from the 13 July to 13 October and will include The Atkinson’s portrait of Ethel Bartlett, a striking figure who was painted by Laura Knight and her husband on several occasions. She was a well known pianist who gave concert tours in England and the US. In the portrait her elbow is resting on some sheet music, that she may have composed herself.
Emma Anderson, The Atkinson’s new Director said:
We are absolutely delighted that the National Portrait Gallery have selected one of The Atkinson’s paintings to promote their major new exhibition, Laura Knight Portraits. The portrait of Ethel Bartlett (1896–1978) is a stunning example of the artist’s work.
Dame Laura Knight (1877 –1970) was one of the most popular and pioneering British artists of the twentieth century. Her artistic career took her from Cornwall to Baltimore, and from the circus to the Nuremberg Trials. She painted dancers at the Ballets Russes and Gypsies at Epsom races, and was acclaimed for her work as an official war artist. This exhibition of over thirty portraits will reveal Knight’s highly distinctive and vivid work, and also illustrate her success in gaining greater professional recognition for women in the arts.
The Atkinson has an outstanding collection of British art that will now be presented in beautifully extensive, well-proportioned exhibition spaces. This as well as its exciting launch exhibition Love Stories: Romance, Obsession & Heartbreak will increase public recognition and enjoyment of the fantastic collections.
The Love Stories exhibition which opens in September, is all about love in its many forms, and presents stunning works from The Atkinson’s own collections alongside dramatic and provocative works by leading contemporary artists including Tracey Emin, in an ambitious and surprising exhibition.
It explores the universal experience of love and loss in five stages: flirtation and courtship; the choice; marriage; obsession and betrayal and contented love. A broad spectrum of art is used to chart this journey, from traditional oil paintings to contemporary installations and moving image.