Doone Valley Gallery Presents: Sir Alfred Munnings and the Exmoor School An Exclusive Selling Exhibition Showcasing the Artistic Heritage of Exmoor
Doone Valley Gallery is proud to announce the opening of Sir Alfred Munnings and the Exmoor School, a captivating selling exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Exmoor’s landscape, featuring works by some of the most influential artists and craftsmen of the 20th century. The exhibition will run from 16th November, with a private view for invited guests on 15th November at 6pm.
The exhibition brings together an exquisite collection of paintings, drawings, and pottery by Sir Alfred Munnings, Robert Bevan, Charles Knight, Lucy Kemp-Welch, Rachel Ann le Bas, Frederick Hall, Harry Phelan Gibb, and the celebrated potter Waistel Cooper. Each artist, renowned in their own right, lived or worked on Exmoor, a region that profoundly influenced their work and style. This exhibition highlights their shared connection to this picturesque setting, while also offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from this esteemed group.
Exploring the Exmoor School
The ‘Exmoor School’ is a loose term used to describe a collection of artists and craftsmen who were drawn to Exmoor’s rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and timeless rural life. They found inspiration in the region’s natural beauty and distinct atmosphere, which is vividly captured in their works. This exhibition celebrates the diversity of their interpretations and their contributions to the artistic narrative of the area.
A Focal Point for Art and Craft
Sir Alfred Munnings, best known for his equestrian paintings and as a former President of the Royal Academy, is the centerpiece of this collection, representing his deep love for the countryside and equine subjects. The exhibition is complemented by the works of his contemporaries and fellow artists, including Robert Bevan, a founder of the Camden Town Group; Charles Knight, noted for his sensitive portrayals of rural scenes; and Lucy Kemp-Welch, celebrated for her depictions of horses and rural life.
Also featured are Rachel Ann le Bas, whose works depict the softer, lyrical side of Exmoor; Frederick Hall, known for his romantic landscapes and rustic scenes; and Harry Phelan Gibb, a pioneering figure in early 20th-century modernism.
The exhibition also includes the works of Waistel Cooper, one of the most distinctive studio potters of his generation. Cooper’s tactile, sculptural pottery, created during his time at Culbone, echoes the organic forms of the landscape, blending artistry with craftsmanship. His inclusion broadens the narrative, highlighting the region’s influence not only on painters but also on those working in three-dimensional mediums.
A Historic Setting
The Doone Valley, immortalized in R.D. Blackmore’s classic novel Lorna Doone, provides a fitting backdrop for this exhibition. The idyllic hamlet of Malmsmead, nestled in the heart of the valley, adds a historical resonance to the artworks and ceramics, further enhancing their connection to the land that inspired them.
Event Details
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- Exhibition Title: Sir Alfred Munnings and the Exmoor School
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- Venue: Doone Valley Gallery, Malmsmead, Exmoor
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- Public Opening: 16th November 2024
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- Private View: 15th November 2024, 6:00 PM
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- Exhibition Type: Selling Exhibition
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- Featured Artists and Craftsmen: Sir Alfred Munnings, Robert Bevan, Ethelbert White, Charles Knight, Lucy Kemp-Welch, Rachel Ann le Bas, Frederick Hall, Harry Phelan Gibb, Waistel Cooper
The gallery invites art and craft enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the public to explore this unique collection, celebrate the region’s rich artistic and artisanal heritage, and perhaps acquire a treasured piece of Exmoor’s cultural history.
About Doone Valley Gallery
Doone Valley Gallery is situated in the heart of Exmoor’s picturesque Doone Valley, a landscape rich in history and inspiration. Known for its important curated exhibitions, the gallery also aims to promote the artistic talent connected to Exmoor and the surrounding areas, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists and craftsmen.
For more information, please contact:
Doone Valley Gallery
Email: tim@timwilliamsfineart.com
Phone: 07539906442
Website: www.doonevalleygallery.co.uk
