In preparation for the visit to the Berthe Morisot exhibition ‘Shaping Impressionism’ Jenny Newman organised an afternoon for all participants to hear two supporting presentations: Julian Halsby spoke about Berthe’s life and her relationships with other impressionists and Jenny’s talk was specifically related to the exhibition. We were all set up and ready for our visit.

Forty -nine art lovers, A.S and U3A members, left early on a coach for London on the morning of 27th June. On arrival we split into two groups – one to visit the Morisot Exhibition before lunch and then have a guided visit to the Dulwich Gallery permanent collection later and vice-versa.

The guide’s tour of the Permanent Collection was excellent, she told us that during the closure over the pandemic the gallery had been redecorated and reorganised. I believe she talked mainly about the Linham bequest which included works by Gainsborough, Rubens Poussin and Canaletto. I spotted an Anthony van Dyk painting (1633) related to Sherborne. It was ‘Venetia, Lady Digby on her Deathbed’, apparently her husband Sir Kenelm Digby, who had married her in secret as his family did not approve, was so devastated when she suddenly died eight years later that he called van Dyck to paint the beauty of her corpse which he did on the second day after her passing.

The Morisot Exhibition was extremely well curated and consisted of early and later paintings and chalk and pastel sketches which were often displayed alongside the work of artists who had influenced or inspired her. There were many touching feminine subjects displayed. I was fascinated by Berthe Morisot’s relationship to Edouard Manet who became her brother-in-law after her marriage to Eugene Manet.

It was an uneventful journey home and we all had plenty to think about. Many thanks to all who contributed to making this a stimulating and enjoyable visit with The Sherborne Arts Society.

Jane Findley

Day trip on Wednesday 22 June 2022

Members visited the New Art Centre at Roche Court on a glorious summer’s day in June when everything was still green. We were able to explore the park and gardens in the company of an excellent guide.

We were greeted by Lady Bessborough who had founded the New Art Centre in London’s Sloane St in 1958. Her vision of encouraging young artists had continued and expanded at Roche Court which now welcomes visitors to exhibitions of contemporary art in a wonderful outdoor setting as well as four contemporary galleries.

There were small porcelain installations by Edmund de Waal, large scale sculptures by Anthony Caro, Peter Randall-Page, Anthony Gormley, and Michael Craig-Martin, land art by Richard Long, and amongst these a huge variety of works by lesser known artists. Some were challenging, some disturbing, some amusing, all demanded our attention.

Day trip on Friday 22 April 2022

 Our 2 hour guided tour of the house was split into 2 groups of 20 and was followed by a short visit to the formal gardens. The 16th century castle contains many great art works including portraits by Reynolds and Gainsborough and some historic furniture. The Earl of Radnor’s family have been partnered with the National Gallery for many years.

The visit was followed by an excellent buffet lunch in the nearby Radnor Arms.

After lunch the coach dropped us near to the Cathedral Close in Salisbury where there were opportunities to visit the Salisbury Museum, the cathedral or the National Trust Mompesson House

Several members opted for the shops!.

Our visit to the Castle was unguided although there were room guides.  The ticket also included access to the Egyptian Exhibition; the fifth Earl of Carnarvon excavated Tutankhamen’s tomb with Howard Carter in 1922.  The gardens are extensive and visiting was included with our entrance ticket.

Voco Grand Central Hotel (4 Star)