The curator of an impressive art exhibition showcasing the artistic heritage of Purbeck is to reveal the stories behind the paintings at a talk in Langton Matravers in Dorset.
Biographer and art historian Dr Gill Clarke, who has published widely on 20th century British art, has worked with the Russell-Cotes museum in Bournemouth, to create an exhibition called Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place, which is on show until Sunday 16th March 2025
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Gill Clarke and Bournemouth mayor George Farquhar at the launch party for Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place
Art expert to give talk at Langton
Some of the 70 exhibits are on loan from Langton Matravers Museum, with others from Swanage Museum, Corfe Castle Town Trust and Dorset Museum, national collections and private galleries, to form the biggest display of Purbeck art in one place.
To acknowledge the help of local groups in staging the exhibition, Gill Clarke is giving an illustrated talk on the collection at Langton Matravers village hall from 7 pm on Wednesday 30th October 2024.
She will be talking about some of the most famous, as well as the lesser known, works of art to be inspired by Purbeck scenes, and promises a fascinating evening.
The entrance to Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place, at the Russell-Cotes museum and art gallery
Wonderful opportunity to promote Purbeck art
While some may think that Purbeck would be a better location for an art exhibition which has drawn inspiration from the local area, Daryle Pearson, chair of the Langton Matravers Local History Society, sees the advantages of staging it at the Russell-Cotes museum in Bournemouth. He said:
“They have three exhibits on loan from our museum, highlighting the quarrying history of Langton and including a painting from the 1930s by Alfred Palmer of two quarrymen at Seacombe.
“I think it’s exciting that the Russell-Cotes, which is a prestigious museum, has put on this exhibition about Purbeck. It couldn’t be in a better place for us, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to show a wider audience what Purbeck is all about.
“It is a shame that some people from Langton Matravers won’t have a chance to see the whole collection, but we are hosting this talk, and we are also hoping to do a coach trip over to Bournemouth for people who can’t drive there.
“Our museum reopens on 1st April 2025 and hopefully our exhibits will come straight back here, so locals and visitors will be able to see those paintings – and much more local history – through spring and summer.”
The oil on canvas by Evelyn Cheston is on loan from Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre
Two Quarrymen at Seacombe, painted in the 1930s by Alfred Palmer, is on loan from Langton Matravers Museum
“It is increasing our profile”
Daryle added:
“For us, a small museum, it is increasing our profile just by being in the Russell-Cotes. They are giving us publicity, letting people know when our museum is open and I feel very positive about being included in it.
“More than that, our exhibits have been conserved with a grant from the Russell-Cotes, which is something we couldn’t have afforded to do ourselves, so it is a great opportunity for us.
“Gill Clarke has also agreed to talk to us in the village hall on behalf of our history society, we open the door at 7 pm, and start the talk at 7.30 pm – we can sit up to 100 people and it’s very affordable, only £3 to get in for members and £4 for guests, and all are welcome.
“Dr Clarke is bringing photographs of some of the art on show and will be talking about all of them. She is very charming and knowledgeable, we are looking forward to it very much and hopefully get a few more people joining our society as well.”
Paintings exploring Purbeck as a place for reflection include The Blue Pool from 1910 by Augustus John
Later tourism and advertising posters, works of art in themselves, include The Great Globe by Graham Sutherland
Paintings are displayed by theme
It’s believed this is the first exhibition of this size, dedicated solely to artists who captured scenes from the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, since the beginning of the 20th century.
It includes artists such as John Nash, Graham Sutherland, George Watson, Augustus John and Frances Hodgkins, with artworks drawn from the Russell-Cotes museum’s permanent holdings, alongside significant loans from private and regional collections.
These include the Government Art Collection, Southampton City Art Gallery, Poole Museum and Pallant House Gallery as well as Purbeck musuems.
The exhibition is organised thematically, to explore distinct aspects of Purbeck from quarries and quarrying to the advent of Purbeck as a destination for leisure and tourism.
Original paintings on display include Spray, a 1940 depiction of Dancing Ledge, and Punch and Judy on Swanage Beach from 1962
Event on the Downs, a 1934 oil by Paul Nash with surreal and abstract elements, is open to personal interpretation
“Purbeck offers a sense of peace”
Gill Clarke said:
“The Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, has captivated artists for centuries. Its fascinating variety of landscapes has inspired a wide range of artistic styles and subjects.
“It’s no wonder artists have been attracted to and captivated by the spectacular coastline, varied landscape and picturesque villages.
“But beyond the visual feast, Purbeck offers a sense of peace and tranquillity, a stark contrast to the bustling city life many artists were accustomed to.
“This tranquillity fostered both introspective and evocative works that captured essence and the spirit of the place.”
Corfe Castle in the Beauteous Isle of Purbeck, a medieval imagining painted in 1940 by Isabel Saul
Christmas at Corfe Castle is an oil on board by Elsie Barling from 1957
Unique geological wonders
Gill added:
“Our exhibition focuses on notable landmarks and villages, such as Corfe Castle, Clavell Tower overlooking Kimmeridge Bay and the Great Globe at Swanage.
“In addition to the man made follies, unique geological wonders like rock formations and dramatic cliffs provided a fascinating subject for artists interested in capturing the history and character of the natural Purbeck landscape.
“At Langton Matravers, I will talk about the work of well and lesser known artists, focusing on their work, their lives and their connections, revealing remarkable insights into this unique area.
“My talk will be structured around quarries and quarrying in the area surrounding Corfe Castle, Studland and Swanage, along the coast from St Aldhelm’s Head to Worbarrow Bay and inland to Wareham.”
Visit the museum cafe in Bournemouth and enjoy a drink in the surroundings of Corfe Castle
Capturing its ever evolving beauty
Sarah Newman, manager at the Russell-Cotes, said:
“We are delighted to present this exhibition, which celebrates the rich artistic legacy of Purbeck. The artists featured in this show have captured the unique beauty and character of this region in a truly inspiring way.
“We invite visitors to join us on this journey through time and discover the extraordinary works of art that have been inspired by Purbeck.
“Our large collection of more than 70 works provide a unique opportunity to explore the Isle of Purbeck over time, through the eyes of artists who capture its ever evolving beauty.”
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is the former art nouveau home of Victorian art collectors Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes.
It was perpetuated as a permanent art museum with an outstanding collection of 19th and early 20th century paintings in their original context of sumptuous period interiors.
The exhibition remains open at the Russell-Cotes Museum until 16th March 2025
The museum is an art nouveau house overlooking the sea, filled with a collection of 19th and 20th century art and artefacts
Watch a short preview
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