Some time ago now I acquired, via Freecycle, a full portfolio of artwork belonging to a student at the Royal College of Arts in the late 1940's!!! It was jam packed with original textile print designs from that era (I know, lucky or what!) What amazes me is how fresh and modern they still look 70 years later.....
We selected 3 that we thought best fit our colour palette for the lounge. Our favourite has to be the abstract one in the centre. But the portfolio contained so many more amazing screen prints and other artwork. It really is an absolute treasure to have been entrusted with.
The student concerned was undeniably a very talented artist. But her story alas was not a happy one. By all accounts she never fulfilled her creative potential professionally and suffered a lifetime of depression, eventually taking her own life in her 70's. This body of work (that I still can't believe has ended up in my hands) was rescued by a relative who walked in on her destroying her art piece by piece in a fit of what I can only guess was despair or rage. She was sectioned shortly afterwards. Her creations have sat in an attic for the past 40 years. Until now.
I guess there's a lesson there somewhere. Something about all of us being true to ourselves and pursuing whatever is in our heart. Because anything less would be, well, just less....
Some little part of me hopes that Sandra is up there somewhere seeing her artwork being appreciated with new eyes, generations later; and I hope she's glad that these didn't get destroyed....
These are absolutely amazing. Rescued is the perfect word. I have a similar situation but it involves only one watercolor. Unfortunately, the only person who could detail the work has passed away and did not document any of the history, heritage or provenance. May I suggest that you record as much information as is available to you and secure it to the back of each piece. In years to come, someone will be so glad that you did.
ReplyDeleteCorrine, that's a brilliant idea! Thankyou!
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I love the artwork, and it's nice to know part of the story behind it. I'm going to have to start checking freecycle more...
ReplyDeletewow - those are amazing. and what a sad story.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolute treasure you stumbled upon Portia! And what a heartbreaking story Sandra's is! As you say, let's hope she's up there somewhere, smiling down at her beautiful artwork that's now proudly displayed in your home!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad story but how lovely that the work is being appreciated now. Those designs are gorgeous - what a great Freecycle find.
ReplyDeleteThey look great grouped together. It's a very sad story but I'm glad they've ended up with somone who appreciates them.
ReplyDeleteIt's always sad to see the work of someone so talented who lost their way and didn't get to explore it fully. And it's equally wonderful that her talent won't go unrecognised and unappreciated. Recording the details of the work on the back of the frame is an excellent idea, we've done that with some paintings we have - they're not valuable or anything, but the information adds to people's appreciation of the work I think.
ReplyDeleteAs an artist I can appreciate the torment Sandra must have gone through - it is common and indeed tragic. I remember once junking a painting of mine in disgust, only to later find it had been rescued and put in an art show LOL
ReplyDeleteToday I feel amusement at my former, more angsty self, and the incident. I'm sure Sandra would love it that you are giving her work new life :)
The prints are beautiful. I'm glad they are being seen at last, but what a sad story.
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