It's always nice to get an invite to a Private View and take
up the opportunity to go and see new paintings while enjoying a glass of wine
and a nibble on a bread-stick.
My sister Teri Anne Scoble asked me if I could join her and
pop in to see Faces and Spaces, an exhibition of six London- based artists
curated by Art Agent Sue Ecclestone at the Burgh House, Hampstead.
 |
| Burgh House, Hampstead Heath |
The Burgh House is rather grand with great wood panelled rooms in the manner of the Queen Anne epoch. It has stood in style for nigh on three hundred years mostly as a private residence - but nowadays, an independent charitable trust for arts, heritage and the community open its doors for four days in the week enabling the public to visit it's museum, exhibitions and café (in good weather it can be very pleasant taking tea on the garden terrace).
From the welcoming bar I equip myself with a cool glass of
Sipsmith (never drunk this before!) gin and Fever-Tree tonic.
 |
| Refreshments bar |
 |
| Teri gobbling a bread stick |
With my G & T accessory in my hand I work my way through
to the gallery.
There directly in front as you enter the gallery is the
portrait of one of my favourite actors Timothy Spall by the artist Tim Wright. |
| Doorway to the gallery |
TW was painting consultant on the film Turner, working with
the actor, teaching him how to actually paint like the painter Turner for his
much acclaimed performance.
 |
| Timothy Spall by Tim Wright |
 |
| Painting by Rw Easterby |
On my way out of the small select gallery my eye catches a
painting by Robert Dearman (who seems fond of painting big red busses).
 |
| Painting by Robert Dearman |
This picture shows the artist in a café setting.
And there is a pretty
seascape by Chris Filtness.
 |
| Painting by Chris Filtness |
A most talented musician and beautiful singer Anoushka Lucas is holding the
room entranced!
 |
| Captivating singing by Anoushka Lucas |
She is singing 🎶 a
lilting kinda blues that makes me wonder if she perhaps wrote it herself.
And I sit down beside a mad hatter.
 |
| Max-A-Hatter |
His name is Max-A-Hatter and he designs and makes hats -
should you want a statement piece of headgear - I'd give him a call! He says
that you will always be noticed when you wear one of his designs.
So what do you think? Should I get one?
 |
| Wanna get ahead? Get a hat! |
So, wearing a hat does attract attention it seems! (If you want people to talk to you – wear a
hat!) I am still wearing the hat I have borrowed from the 'mad hatter', when a
guest of one of the other artists comes over and talks to me! (If you want to
sit quietly and listen to music don't
wear a hat!) The gentleman is an architect, and his name is Mathew Deering,
and he tells me all about his debut acting on the stage and how he now wants to
be an actor. And he demonstrates his sword fighting, acting skills.
 |
| On guard! |
 |
| Anoushka Lucas plays piano and sings |
The mood is jazzy and bluesy and I go to the bar for a top- up of refreshment.
Lots of people are chatting and talking about art (I
presume).
 |
| chatting |
When Anoushka sings her
last song I drain my glass and take a last look at the paintings.
 |
| Anoushka Lucas |
Walking out into a light drizzle and Flask Walk ...
...and wend our way uphill towards the high street.
For years, when I'm out this way, I have always
loved to walk to the Heath along Flask Walk - and have always looked out for an
old gate that is in a high wall. It is great heavy iron and wooden gate that
had come from the old Newgate prison. Big and black and armour studded with rivets.
Only, this time all I see is a black hoarding where the infamous Newgate prison
gate used to be. It is not there anymore! It has been replaced by a black
hoarding!
 |
| Wall now devoid of historical Newgate Prison gate |
Where has it gone?
Faces and Spaces
Curated by Sue Ecclestone
Faces and Spaces draws together six London-based artists who
challenge traditional forms of portraiture or landscape with stunning results and
runs until the 17th April 2016
The six artists
Robert Dearman
Jess de Zilva Rw Easterby
Chris Filtness
Claire Tilroe Steve Wazowski
Tim Wright
