Over the centuries Yorkshire has produced a long
list of internationally recognised artists and writers. Happily some are still
with us; others sadly gone from this world, but nevertheless they leave behind
a treasure trove of work which we can still enjoy. Sculpture Parks, Galleries,
Museums, Libraries all exist to prolong our memory of their creators.
In no order of merit I can list without a great deal
if thought some of those writers whose books and poems have inspired me over
the years: Alan Bennett, the Bronte family, Ted Hughes, John Braine, Stan
Barstow et al. And on the artistic front Henry Moore, David Hockney, Barbara
Hepworth, and though born in Penang one who was raised in Barnsley, Ashley
Jackson, amongst many others. I doubt
any of us could question the skill and aptitude of any of these highly
successful individuals even though we might not include their works amongst our
favourites.
Still, I am left wondering what eventually happened
to the thousands of works produced by some extremely gifted individuals who
never reached the hall of fame.
During the seventies I regularly visited Art
Exhibitions mounted in the Valley Gardens at Harrogate and recall amongst those
showing their work four people in particular.
The first is Stan Lloyd whose wonderful landscape
engravings on vitre and which were originally white on black finally persuaded
him to experiment and discover a means of adding colour to them. Later he produced huge engravings of the
planets whilst in regular touch with Nasser in America. His masterpiece in my view was of the
Kirkstall Forge waterwheel which was placed in the reception there in Leeds.
Where are his
works now?
Next was
another Stan. Stan Dollimore whose
flamboyant red neck scarf became his trade mark on his many appearances whilst
giving entertaining talks throughout the county. His huge landscape oil
paintings and especially his images of clouds and water were a joy to behold.
Most of his works were sold direct to the public, though many found their way
to a wider audience through Harrods Gallery in London.
Where are his
works now?
Another
painter whose work was astoundingly memorable was Ken McBurney and his
landscapes, largely developed by applying oils using his fingers and cloths as
well as brushes, seemed to evoke the very essence of the Yorkshire moorlands,
especially around Haworth. Later he went to live in Germany and from there he
painted superb desert landscapes which were equally well respected especially
in the Arab world.
Where are his
works now?
My final thoughts here are of Doris Chaplin who
lived in Leeds and who specialised in painting on silk and produced true to
life botanical images, always signing here name in quasi chinese style
characters. I recall especially her pictures of geraniums and in particular
their leaves.
Where are her
works now?
Perhaps my questions may elicit some answers, maybe
not, as we are looking at a period of time which happened nearly half a century
ago. But it does also beg the question as to how many of us relatively skilful
and currently well liked artists and writers will be remembered in future years
– and where will all our brilliant works end up. Please let me know your thoughts on this if
you can find time away from being creative.
