Apparently on first seeing the pyramids of Egypt, Ruskin exclaimed "Now size really matters!".

This exhibition is unique in a number of respects. One, the works are all small, the largest dimension not exceeding twenty inches. How refreshing from our spate of huge self-declamatory exhibitions. Secondly, works by well known and less known artists hang cheek by jowl, sharing the same walls. And thirdly, the selectors representing critics, collectors and painters, could indulge their preferences and perhaps prejudices with impunity and enthusiasm.

And what enthusiasm! For two days we sifted through over two thousand works with delight, dismay and sometimes sheer amazement – and never a cross word between us; reducing the send-in to a manageable – hopefully balanced show of less than four hundred.

It has been a privilege to witness a wide spectrum of talent and to share in the preferences of others and above all encourage those artists, perhaps only known to oneself, but whose abilities will shortly be revealed to a wider and hopefully impressed audience.

One final word, a profound thank you to the organisers and gallery staff who did all the donkey work – ministering to us, guiding and bearing with us over this rewarding experience.

Leslie Worth PPRWS RBA ARCA FRSA August 1996 ~ artist, teacher and author.
Formerly President of the Royal Watercolour Society & Keeper of the Royal Society of British Artists

 

Copyright © 2002-2010 The Discerning Eye  ~  Web site by Shepperton Software