NOTTINGHAM SOCIETY OF ARTISTS

This recent exhibition, staged 25th February – 2nd March 2008 and featuring paintings of the buildings of Nottingham Architect – Watson Fothergill attracted between 900 – 1000 visitors to view the 60 paintings on show.

We are indebted to Jean Jago – Fellow of the Society for writing the following article in appreciation of this exhibition:

CITY ARCHITECT COMMEMORATED ON CANVAS
Nottingham artists’ inspired answer to collectors challenge.

Eric Marchant contemporary art-collector and member of the Nottingham Society of Artists Trust, has initiated an event in the Society’s gallery on Friar Lane: The Kathleeen Marchant Award and Exhibition in memory of his wife, who died five years ago.

The subject of this first show is Nottingham and the work of Watson Fothergill so chosen because the Marchants admired the buildings of this Nottingham architect who set up his first office on Clinton Street in 1864.

Houses, churches, elaborate City Centre offiices, public houses, warehouses and almshouses designed by him still stand elegantly throughout the City, often occupying important corner sites – older residents rememb er the Black Boy Hotel.

Members of the Nottingham Society of Artists Trust were invited to exhibit pictures of various Watson Fothergill works and chose to depict a great variety of styles, techniques and buildings.
The paintings were judged by professional artists, independent of the Trust.

On Saturday, March 1st, Eric Marchant presented his generous prizes to the three chosen professional painters, to the three chosen amateurs and to ten ‘highly commended’ artists in each category, plus three technical prizes for work in watercolour, pastel and oils.

Prizewinners

Professional – 1st John Richards – 2nd Matthew Swain – 3rd Jack Findlater. Highly Commended – Haidee Jo Summers – Mike O’Brien – Di Matias – Rosemary Wels – Colin Button and Jean Jago

Amateur – 1st Yvonne Rylatt – 2nd Dawn Wilsher – 3rd Phil Bevan. Highly Commended – Enid Patrick – Mim Brown – Lynette Bird – Ken Holt – Brenda Jean Smith and Janet Mayo

Oil Prize – Rachael Heaven. Watercolour Prize – John Pooler. Pastel Prize – Gill Holmes. Drawing Prize – Mike Peart.

Thanks to John Betjeman and his friends and in Nottingham the work of the Civic Society, this once unregarded turn of the century style of architecture can now be appreciated again.

Eric Marchant remarked ‘I think an exhibition works best when it’s centred on a theme.’ He is now looking forward to the next exhibition – whatever it’s subject may be.

Jean Jago – 1st March 2008.

May we thank Eric Marchant most sincerely for sponsoring this exhibition and for selecting such a challenging and enjoyable subject.