A new exhibition in Islington Museum is bringing old memories to life
Every place has a certain importance to someone. But the borough of Islington has been an important destination for many essential artists throughout British history, making it a source of inspiration for artwork in many forms.
Walking through St. John’s street, Clerkenwell, it’s easy to admire the beauty of the simple things that make Islington so special. And now a new exhibition, Islington on Canvas, is showcasing art that is bringing forgotten memories back to life.
Richard Sickert is one of the most famous British artists, and yet someone who can be considered more than British. His paintings and archived photographs are exhibited at the Islington Museum. His work is the portrayal of an artist, an actor and a lover of life, along with the places that have been part of his experience.
Islington is one of those fortunate places which were intensely loved by the Munich-born artist.
In the “Circus Sketch”, Sickert portraits a circus performance once held at the Royal Agricultural Hall. He used to say that Islington has been kind to him – but it has also been kind to the other artists represented in the exhibition.
“People would usually come for Richard Sickert but every painting is something you cannot find anywhere else,” said Rose Curne, 37, Islington Museum curator.
From the Angel to the Highbury Quadrant Chapel, Geoffrey Fletcher (1923-2004) and Arthur Hickman Smith (1876-1956) were also inspired by what is seen every day, but from different times and perspectives.
“It’s like looking under their skin, their eyes and see something we don’t really pay attention to,” said Curne.
The streets and the local buildings are the main protagonists in their work. Hidden figures are also there; crowds, profiles of unknown individuals and times that just tell a different story from what could be remembered.
Therese Lessore (1884-1945), artist and Sickert’s third wife, depicts in a quadrilogy of soft coloured shadows, displaying the circus acrobats who entertained the audience of Liverpool Road. It was 1930, just four years before moving again probably to Venice or Dieppe, France with her British impressionist and husband Walter Richard Sickert.
The exhibition is held by Islington Museum, 245 St John Street, London, and admission is free.