The Dulwich Picture Gallery may not be the largest in the U.K., but it certainly symbolises a significant point in history. It was in fact the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, founded in 1811 by Sir Francis Bourgeois who bestowed his collection upon the public. Now the gallery thrives with a buzz of new and invigorating exhibitions, the latest being no different. Besides being a source of knowledge and inspiration for art fans, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is also a social hub that hosts a program of public events to engage the local community. Pop down and see what this wondrous art gallery has to offer.
Awash with watercolour
The first U.K. exhibition in nearly 100 years purely dedicated to watercolours will open its door at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, from June until 8 October 2017. The collection by Anglo-American artist, John Singer Sargent, amasses 80 paintings overall from over 30 lenders. The arrangement brings together his work from 1900 to 1918 in what was arguably his most successful period. Arranged thematically, Sargent: The Watercolours promises a collection of landscapes, figurative and architectural scenes for those who attend. Sargent’s natural palette gives each piece a resounding sense of both fluidity and stillness—his brush strokes create movement and texture while the muted tones produce feelings of tranquillity.
Sargent began his love affair with watercolour from a young age, nurturing his skill for it alongside that of oil painting. He used watercolour as a means of escapism, often choosing remote locations to paint his compositions outside and undisturbed. One of the many highlights within the exhibition is The Lady With the Umbrella (1911), which will be displayed in the U.K. for the first time.
Visit Sargent: The Watercolours at the Dulwich Picture Gallery— June until 8 October 2017.
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