Laura Knight: A Panoramic View

Description

Remarkable British artist, Dame Laura Knight was the first woman to be elected to full membership of the Royal Academy in 1936 and the first woman to be given a solo exhibition there in 1965. Following Knight's death in 1970 her realist style fell out of fashion and her work became largely overlooked until the late 20th century, which saw several presentations focused on particular elements of her practice. This beautifully illustrated book, which accompanies a major exhibition at MK Gallery, provides an overview of Laura Knight's illustrious career. From her training aged just 13 at Nottingham Art School, through her time in the Netherlands and North Yorkshire, the early influences on Knight are explored alongside her time spent in a Cornish artist commune - the birthplace for her popular plein-air paintings. Knight's poignant, and undoubtedly contemporary, portraits of the traveller community in Buckinghamshire, women working in wartime factories and those in Baltimore's racially segregated hospital wards showcase everyday life for marginalised communities during the early twentieth century; whereas her scenes of ballet and theatre show the heights of culture amidst the coming of war. Featuring previously unseen paintings and an exploration of Knight's less well-known graphic works and work in design, including ceramics, jewellery and costumes, this selection of works reflect Knight's enduring interest in the everyday activities of people from all walks of life.

Anthony Spira, Director, MK Gallery since 2009, was previously curator at Whitechapel Gallery, London (1999-2009) and Jeu de Paume, Paris (1994-6). Fay Blanchard is Head of Exhibitions at MK Gallery. Prior to joining MK Gallery in 2017 Fay worked as Curator, Visual Arts with the British Council (2013-17).

Marvel at Knight's works scattered throughout this beautiful book. * This England * This beautifully illustrated book also features her circus, ballet and theatre scenes and her late paintings of nature. * Art Mag * ... a fascinating look at an artist who has often been overlooked, and stunningly illustrated with celebrated paintings as well as lesser known works. * The Artist * The quality of the reproductions is excellent, and the story of Knight's life makes for fascinating reading. This is a real treat. * Leisure Painter * Beautifully relayed and interestingly formatted, Laura Knight: A Panoramic View is not only timely but imperative to our understanding of the artist it documents and is well worth the attention of us all. * #WomensArt * To further understand this eclectic artist from a twenty-first century perspective, the catalogue that accompanies the exhibition provides valuable additional material. It includes incisive essays and contributions from contemporary artists who provide personal responses to Knight's work and demonstrate her enduring relevance, particularly in relation to the representation of women. * The Burlington Magazine * This beautifully illustrated book, which accompanies a major exhibition at MK Gallery, provides an overview of Knight's illustrious career: from her training at Nottingham Art School at the age of 13 to her paintings of women during the war and her late paintings of nature. * Art Herstory *