Galleries - November 2011

Windsor ContemporaryArt Fair (11 to 13 November), with a maj- ority of its 100-odd stands artist rather than gallery based, is always a lively and individualistic event and very good value for the collector too. Now in its 6th year it seems to be riding the recession with remarkable resilience. Whilst in the area, why not pop over from Berks to Bucks and take in the ‘Off the Wall Art Fair’ at the Buckinghamshire CountyMus- eum & Art Gallery in Aylesbury (12 to 26 November). Billed as a vibrant show of work by 26 artists on a ‘buy and take away’ basis, this could be yet another chance to get in a pre-emptive strike on the Christmas shopping . . . Completing the Circle Soon after this magazine started in 1983, we decided to support a prize for student printmakers at (what is now) the Mall Galleries annual open print show. One of its earliest winners was Melvyn Petterson who, five years years or so later, helped set up Artichoke, now, just 20 years on, firmly established as one of Britain’s leading printmaking studios. Marcelle Hanselaar, Paul Cath- erall, Kate Boxer and Peter Wareham are among the rich and varied selection of contemporary printmakers that have been brought together to celebrate the event (8 to 13 November). And while on the subject of that original print prize, illustrated above is the work of the latest this month at the Menier Gallery. Organised by Art-Rooms and entitled ‘Eclectic Contemporary Art’ it showcases work from a group of “up-and-coming and established British, French and German artists,” proceeds in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. Don’t Miss A word of warning; the Royal Aca- demy ’s revelatory show ‘Degas and the Ballet’ closes, somewhat unexpectedly, just this side of Christmas (12 December). No holiday treat then – just make sure you catch it if you haven’t already. Richard Eurich There are certain, quite wonderful 20th Century British artists who, however much they are shown or written about, always somehow struggle to gain general critical acceptance – ‘enter the canon’ is the literary term. Evelyn Williams is one and Richard Eurich is continued overleaf Images from left: E llaWest ‘The Tutorial’ Galleries Print Prize winner. Jo Whitney ‘Fish Market’ at Mezza- nine Gallery. EdgarDegas ‘Dancer (Préparation en dedans)’, ©Trinity House at Royal Academy Reproduced by kind permission of Standard Fire- works. On permanent loan fromMaurice Evans to the Museum of British Folklore. At Compton Verney Léon Gischia (1903-91) ‘Figure et Guitare’ at Hanina Fine Arts. Tim Pomeroy‘Yew Cone’ at Compass A NTENNAE 9. GALLERIES NOVEMBER 11 winner, Ella West, from this year’s ‘Bite’ exhibition (see Anten- nae , August issue) . A student at Falmouth, she says of her work “ . . . it is those unexpected happy accidents that occur, that forever keep me on my toes – and forever gripped by printmaking.” The Force of Memory Not only as a long time admirer of the Compass Gallery , but also, as chairperson of the charity Art in Healthcare, I am delighted to promote their latest exhibition ‘The Force and Form of Memory’. Working with Alzheimer Scotland, with whom they are sharing commission, Compass has invited seventy distinguished painters and sculptors to produce new work inspired by the theme of human memory. Always up for a creative challenge, and a good cause, these artists – from Scot- land and wider afield – have applied their creative imaginations and studio skills to produce a rich and varied array of art for this worthy and rewarding exhibition. Furthermore, for added interest, the artists have written personal statements to accompany their work. Compass has also arranged a year long tour to other venues around Scotland to allow as many people as possible to see this exciting event. Bill Hare By neat coincidence, an ex- hibition for another Alzheimer charity is taking place in London