Stoker Gill of HMS Exeter and the Naval Portraits of Eric Kennington (1940)
Thursday 28th June 2018
The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, 18:00
£5, (non-members £7.50)
Eric Kennington ' Stoker Gill of HMS Exeter' (1940). Courtesy Leeds Art Gallery
The exquisite pastel drawing of Stoker Gill is one of the jewels of the Leeds collection. It is one of the dozen naval portraits executed by the sculptor and portraitist, Eric Kennington, in his capacity as an official war artist. The intention was to visualise individual servicemen from the anonymous crews of warships whose heroic exploits were applauded by the media. Critically acclaimed, especially by Herbert Read, these portraits became propaganda assets at home and abroad.
This lecture is held to celebrate the publication of Sculpting Art History: Essays in memory of Benedict Read (1945-2016). It is fitting that the book will be published by the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association, which Ben was instrumental in founding, and will comprise thirty essays on sculptural matters from the 18th century to the present (including one on Kennington by Patrick Eyres).
Unfortunately printing of the publication has been delayed but proofs will be displayed on the night with the opportunity to place an order.
£5 (non-members £7.50), includes a glass of wine
This is the first annual Benedict Read Memorial Lecture, co-sponsored by PMSA and Leeds Art Fund
To be held at The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, Leeds (entrance between The Co-Operative Bank and Paperchase)