Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Hard times: The Victorian artist who mastered the night but was overshadowed by debt


Today his oil paintings fetch up to £500,000 but a new exhibition reveals how Victorian master John Atkinson Grimshaw's artistic ambitions left him destitute.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1378068/John-Atkinson-Grimshaw-The-Victorian-artist-mastered-night-shadowed-debt.html#ixzz1JyfpTwx5

4 comments:

alice c said...

So very sorry to hear that you have been so poorly. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that you have time to enjoy your own incredible archive posts. They are an extraordinary and inspiring resource. Thank you.

Hels said...

I didn't know the name Grimshaw nor have I been to Mercer Gallery in Harrogate. But here is a question.

If 50+ oils and watercolours are being exhibited, did Grimshaw not sell his works during his lifetime? Or did the Mercer Gallery locate the Grimshaws in various private and public connections.

Hermes said...

Thanks alice, the secret I've learnt is to keep breathing!

Hermes said...

Helen,

"including many works not seen in public for decades and generously lent by private collectors"

He must have been very production as his works are quite common if expensive. There are a number of imitators too.