'Joyous, curious, inventive and droll' ★★★★
'Varied and visionary work that was distinctive and deeply lovable' ★★★★
'An immaculate show'
'The mother of invention'
The first major exhibition devoted to the visionary artist and designer Tirzah Garwood (1908–1951).
Best known until now as the wife of Eric Ravilious and as the author of the autobiography Long Live Great Bardfield, Garwood excelled as a fine artist and printmaker. This retrospective marked the first time the full extent her output was shown, giving these captivating works the critical examination and public showcase they deserve.
It was a rare opportunity to view more than 80 of Garwood’s works, and explore her ‘sophisticated naïve’ approach that infused apparently innocent subjects with deeper meanings. Representing each area of her practice, the exhibition showcased almost all of Garwood's existing oil paintings, alongside her witty wood engravings, pencil sketches, experimental marbled papers, and collaged paper constructions.
Included in the exhibition, 11 works, including watercolours, by Eric Ravilious drew out the thematic similarities, shared interests, and distinct artistic personalities of this remarkable creative couple.
It gave visitors the opportunity to journey into the imaginative world of an artist who carved fairy tales out of difficult times, and breathed life into the inanimate.
The exhibition was curated by James Russell (Ravilious, 2015, Edward Bawden, 2018). A full-colour catalogue accompanied the show, featuring new research, plate images of each work and insightful essays by Ella Ravilious (granddaughter of Eric and Tirzah) and writer Jennifer Higgie.
Images: Tirzah Garwood, Springtime of Flight, oil on canvas, 1950, Private Collection; Tirzah Garwood, Hide and Seek, oil on canvas, 1950, Private Collection; Tirzah Garwood, The Crocodile, wood-engravings, 1929.