Leeds Art Fund

‘May 1950 (Early Morning San Gimignano)’ a recent acquisition supported by LAF, was a significant addition to the Leeds collection from various perspectives – it reveals the true substance drawing had for Ben Nicholson, one of the most innovative modernist artists to come out of Britain; it was created alongside and then owned by one of Nicholson’s most steadfast friends and patrons - Cyril Reddihough, a solicitor based in Ilkley.

A real commitment to drawing was clinched in spring, 1950, when Nicholson went on the first of many drawing trips to Italy. After years of wartime isolation and post-war deprivation, the impulse to go south was widely-felt, and Nicholson's journey was as much to do with the urging of his friend, who arranged it all, and then accompanied him, Cyril Reddihough. Reddihough seemed to recognise the artist’s sense of space-proportion, his ability to suggest solid form by the most exactly inflected line, his ruthless omission of some details and a sense of spontaneity, and drama

Art historian and curator Lynne Green and art collector Ronnie Duncan, both of whom knew Cyril Reddihough personally, will set the drawing in context in this special event on the eve of the Gallery’s reopening, hosted by Gallery Curator, Nigel Walsh.

Tickets are available in advance or on the door.