Friday 11 August 2017



I went to see Matisse in the Studio this afternoon at The Royal Academy, horribly crowded, the lift was out of order and I felt a bit underwhelmed by the exhibition; it's nowhere near as interesting as that lovely Matisse and textiles show in the same space a few years ago. I think anyone paying full price might feel a bit aggrieved.
But on my way out, I stopped by this lovely little display of work by Charles Tunnicliffe who did so many of the Ladybird books I remember from childhood. I'd never seen his early work and I loved his prints of working life on the farm in Cheshire where he grew up.

8 comments:

Gina said...

Love the painting of the geese. Shame about the Matisse exhibition though

Mary said...

I love the geese, too, Gina. That little Tunnicliffe display was full of over-60s feeling nostalgic!
But I came out of the Matisse feeling a bit, 'So what?'

Anonymous said...

I can imagine your frustration Mary, what a disappointment. But the Tunnicliffes might have cheered you somewhat?

Mary said...

They were very cheering, Toffeeapple. And a Ladybird book always makes me smile. Plus I got into Fortnum's just as they started reducing prices in the food hall. So a successful afternoon and chicken and ham pie for today's lunch!

Lucille said...

We were messed around when we went to collect our tickets for the Summer Exhibition last Friday. Queued then got sent back to another queue where we were told to return to the first queue. Considered the Matisse but now feel more inclined to go for the Tunnicliffes. How late do you have to go to Fortnum's for the reduced prices?

Mary said...

It was chaotic there yesterday, Lucille - so much building work going on. About 6pm is good for F&M bargains; my pie was £10 down from £37, which I wouldn't have paid in a million years! Sometimes you're lucky; other days, there's nothing much.

Sue said...

I didn't spot the Tunnicliffe paintings when I was there last week. They look v charming.I dropped in to see the Matisse exhib as an antidote to the Apocalyptic Rain and enjoyed it very much. Probably my expectations were lower than yours, Mary.But, Goodness, it was completely packed - I'll have to go back again and get full use of my membership.

Mary said...

IT's easy to miss, Sue - just one room, but maybe you'll find it if you go back. It wasn't that I disliked the Matisse - how could you? But I thought the idea behind it was rather slight ... artist's bric-a-brac ends up his paintings. I mean, you could say that about any artist! It was ever so busy, wasn't it? Might be better once the summer exhibition is over.