The South Downs Way was not only about walking - there were some great opportunities to catch some culture - Raymond Briggs at Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft and Dorothy Hepworth at the Charleston Galleries in Lewes.
Dorothy Hepworth was particularly amazing. She was an extraordinary artist but a reserved person. Whereas her life partner Patricia Preece was a less impressive painter but a great schmoozer of people. They agreed to put Patricia's name on Dorothy 's paintings so that together they made up one successful artist.
At one point Patricia even married Stanley Spencer on behalf of both of them. To no-one's surprise, the marriage didn't last.
Each time, Dorothy finished a painting, Patricia took a photo of her holding it. Clearly she intended the truth to out one day.
In fact, as old ladies, it was Patricia who died first. Through long loyalty, Dorothy continued to sign her paintings 'Patricia Preece'.
To see the truth revealed and their story explored in this exhibition was very special like being let in on a long-held national secret.
No comments:
Post a Comment