Description
Book SynopsisThis much-anticipated and highly readable biography of the painter Dame Laura Knight (1877 - 1970) - one of the leading British painters of the twentieth century - explores her relationships, professional challenges and achievements and reflects the radical social and cultural shifts that took place during her lifetime.
Trade ReviewBarbara Morden has come up with a gem, it stands out and stays on the mind more than any photo or painting. This biography is a book I recommend to all collectors and lovers of Laura Knight and her works. R. John Croft, Laura Knight Trust and great nephew to the artist Barbara Morden's much-anticipated biography of Dame Laura Knight appears at a time of renewed interest in the artist. Informed, accurate, well-presented and, above all, entertaining, this is a book that will generate much pleasure. Neil Walker, Curator, Djanogly Art Gallery, University of Nottingham
Table of ContentsA note on source material vi Acknowledgements vii Foreword by R. John Croft ix Introduction: "I can twist and turn" 1 Chapter One: "Our unconventional household" 5 Chapter Two: "Why must girls be pretty?" 19 Chapter Three: "The only serious girl student" 33 Chapter Four: "A place and a people apart" 50 Chapter Five: "Watering the seeds of our ideas" 70 Chapter Six: "Life was going with a swing" 82 Chapter Seven: "Daring grew, I would work only in my own way" 102 Chapter Eight: "Armed with my sketch-book and full of confidence" 126 Chapter Nine: "To understand, to grasp life with both hands" 156 Chapter Ten: "A panoramic view - like a half-rolled map" 178 Chapter Eleven: "Keep going, keep going" 203 Chapter Twelve: "To hold the excitement and the ecstasy" 226 Conclusion: "A rainbow shone right into our back yard" 245 Afterword by David Phillips 249 List of Exhibitions 251 Appeal for Information 252 Select Bibliography 253 Index 255
