Newsletter Number 7 - August 2008 Download this file

Since our last newsletter many forward steps have taken place and we seem to be reaching the culmination of many years’ efforts. The next major landmark will be the launch of a book about Harry’s work and times. I am pleased to say that in association with Derwent Wye Fine Art (Exhibit) (01629-733310) of Rowsley Derbyshire a limited edition will be published later this year. I found a great deal of pleasure in writing the book and it brought back many memories and the research was fascinating. I hope others will find it so. If you want to reserve your copy just let either me or the gallery know. The gallery continues to exhibit his work www.derwent-wyefineart.co.uk.  

Mixed exhibitions were held during the year at The Ghislaine Howard Studio Gallery in Oak Street, Glossop (01457-852368) www.ghislainehoward.com. Ghislaine is a well known artist and her husband Michael, a senior lecturer in art history and the renowned art historian both of whom have been very supportive over the years. The Howard family involvement took another step forward when their son, the writer; Maxim Howard wrote “In Search of the New” a play exploring the poignant lives of Harry and Susie. This will have a dramatised ‘read through’ at the Bakewell Festival at 8.30pm on Friday 8th August 2008 at the Friends Meeting House, Bakewell. Earlier that evening at 7pm Michael Howard will be presenting a lecture entitled “No Uncommon Sight” based on the role of landscape in art and literature. See www.bakewellfestival.com for further details and tickets.
  
The long awaited major exhibition of Harry Ousey’s paintings has been finalised and Rob Airey, the recently appointed Exhibitions Officer has visited us and selected many of Harry’s works to be included in the solo exhibition to be held at The Royal Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro.   It will take place in one of the main galleries with the preview arranged for Friday 3rd October 2008 and the exhibition continuing until the New Year 2009.  This exhibition is particularly exciting as it represents a significant step forward in the reintroduction of Ousey into the British art scene.

It is hoped that once this exhibition has concluded other public galleries will be prepared to provide time to show it in their areas. The interest by our private art galleries remains strong and we are grateful for their continued support.  

During 2007/8 Harry’s work has been exhibited at the Lupton Square Gallery, Honley, nr Huddersfield (01484-66144). The owner Geoff Harrop produced a particularly fine website and even now has paintings included www.luptonsquaregallery.co.uk.  It is especially pleasing to see so many images of a wide selection of work. Geoff’s advice and support has been extremely useful to us and he has helped to introduce us to other avenues to promote the public awareness of his work. In October this year there will be another show when previously unseen work will be on display.

Doric Art Gallery, Kings Lynn, Norfolk (01553-777960) www.doricarts.com has featured a selection of paintings in exhibitions during 2007/8. Over the last couple of years the owner; Russell Boulter opened a second gallery at 4, Albert Street, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6HX. This is particularly pleasing as this gallery specialises in 20th century British art. The interest in the work in Norfolk is strong and growing and we appreciate all Russell’s effort in promoting the paintings. There are always some Harry Ousey paintings on show at his galleries.

Jan Green of Tib Lane Gallery, Manchester has retired. We wish her every happiness in the future. She will always have a special place in our memories as she was the first gallery to recognise Harry Ousey’s place in British art history and to have a solo show way back in 1997 continuing to promote the work right up to her retirement.

We were particularly pleased that after Jan’s retirement we were introduced to Wendy Levy of Wendy Levy Contemporary Art of Didsbury, Manchester 0161-446-4880 www.wendyjlevy-art.com who has agreed to look after Harry Ousey in the Manchester area continuing the long association with the City.

You will recall that Paintings in Hospitals, have a number of Harry’s paintings and I recently travelled to York General Hospital to see their collection of his work prominently displayed in the Hospital.

You might recall that in previous Newsletter I sought assistance in trying to locate the artist, John Erskine. Well we’ve found and met him. He is a truly remarkable man still painting and living in Germany He has a wealth of knowledge of Harry’s time in France and was obviously very close to both Harry and Susie. Whilst he stayed over night there just wasn’t enough time to discover all he knew. We remain in touch and I look forward to a developing close friendship.  Our search for Michael Cummings continues and albeit John Erskine knew him he couldn’t provide us with his present whereabouts save to say that he is still thought to be in France. 

Our Website www.harryousey.co.uk is operational again. If you would like to receive further newsletters electronically please contact me with your e mail addresses.

Sue Astles, sue.astles@ctaweb.co.uk