Art In The City

Our forthcoming exhibition, ‘Illusion - the Inquisitive Eye’ will be held at the magnificent Painters’ Hall in the City of London.

The exhibition is a unique opportunity to experience a collection of outstanding works selected exclusively from the membership of the Livery Company. United in their pursuit of excellence, the exhibitors have fashioned their particular responses to the theme of ‘Illusion’, making common ground with the age-old ‘mysteries’ and ‘deceptions of the eye’ of the Painter-Stainers’ art.

The show is curated by artists Tim Wright and Tuesday Riddell, both Company members, and the Company is especially pleased to welcome guest curator, the actor and artist, Timothy Spall, who has kindly agreed to open the exhibition and share his thoughts about the work, the Company and its special relationship with the City.

The history of the Company will be reflected in a small, subsidiary exhibition of paintings, documents and objects including a hand written note by Sir Joshua Reynolds to James Boswell mentioning dining at our Hall, and a portrait attributed to Robert Peake the Younger who was more than likely a member of the Company.

We are also very excited to be able to show a 19^th century painting of the Madonna and Child which featured last March in BBC’s The Repair Shop where it was restored by painting conservator, Lucia Scalisi, and subsequently framed by Liveryman Derek Tanous. Maria Kirk is the granddaughter of the original owner and she will be with us for all three days of the exhibition. Lucia Scalisi and Derek Tanous will also be at the Hall on Monday 14^th October to talk about the restoration and framing of the painting. 

Demonstrations by Rick McPherson, Tuesday Riddell and Jo Mabbutt will be running on the 3 days, and curated talks of approximately 45 minutes will take place on: 

·        Monday 14th October at 11am & 3pm

·        Tuesday 15th October at 3pm

·        Wednesday 16th October at 11am & 3pm