About this event
Part of a series of small, focused displays in the exhibition gallery during building work at Kettle's Yard to construct a new Education Wing.
Alfred Wallis (1855-1942) is one of the most original and inspiring British artists of the 20th Century. Living in St Ives and with no training, he took up painting late in life “for company” after the death of his wife. Previously, he had worked as a mariner, crossing the Atlantic and later working small fishing boats. With only household oil paint in limited colours on found bits of card, Wallis made works that are, as he said himself, more experiences than paintings. “I do most what used To Be what we shall never see no more…” he wrote to Jim Ede, creator of Kettle’s Yard, and one of his most ardent collectors.
On display are about 40 paintings from the reserve collection and the part of the house closed due to building work. They show what Wallis knew best: from brigantines and sailing boats to lug boats and motor vessels, often battling with an unpredictable sea.
Website:
http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk