National Museum of Wales Friends Talk 1 July

Renowned Welsh-born artists Gwen and Augustus John were sister and brother, yet their artistic careers took very different pathways. Beth McIntyre, Senior Curator of Prints & Drawings at NMW Cardiff will discuss the similarities and differences between these two important artists in a talk complementing the Augustus John in Focus display in Gallery 13, which incorporates drawings and etchings from the Museum’s existing holdings of work by the artist, as well as loans from an important private collection.

Brought up in Tenby, both Gwen (1876-1939) and Augustus (1878-1961) were students at the Slade School in London in the 1890s. By the time he was twenty-five, Augustus had become the most famous British artist of the day. His talent as an artist was compared with that of Michelangelo, Gauguin and Matisse, and he became legendary for his bohemian lifestyle and celebrity circle of friends. In contrast, Gwen’s talents have only become recognised comparatively recently. Following a long and obsessive love affair with Rodin in Paris, she increasingly searched for isolation and solitude which was illustrated in her intensely personal studies of interiors and solitary figures. Her methodical technique and palette of subtle mauves and blue-greys are in direct contrast with the bravura and brilliance of Augustus’s colours.

The admission charge for the talk, which includes coffee in the Oriel Suite is £8 for tickets ordered in advance or £10 at the door. To take advantage of the concessionary rate please complete the form below by Wednesday 20th January with a cheque made out to the Friends of National Museum of Wales, and send to:
Gwen Williams, 57 Beulah Road CARDIFF CF14 6LU
Tel: 029 2062 0094; Mobile: 07802437316; e-mail: gwen.williams@friendsmuseumwales.org.uk

To minimise postal costs, no acknowledgement will be sent. Since this event is open to members of the public (£10 in advance or at the door), do tell your friends. They will be very welcome.

Friends of National Museum Wales

‘Augustus and Gwen John, United and Divided by their Art’
An Illustrated Talk by Dr Beth McIntyre

Saturday 23rd January 2016 at 10.30am
in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre, National Museum Wales, Cardiff

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I enclose a cheque for £……..… (made out to the Friends of National Museum Wales).

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Download these details and a reservation form (you must be a Friend to obtain the concessionary rate)