Atkinson Grimshaw

A brief 'summer' rapidly turned wintry again, with 10ºC difference in the temperature between one day and the next! Plus wind and rain... so I hopped on the train to Leeds civic art gallery to catch an exhibition that will soon be closing. I couldn't resist an internal shot of the gallery itself. The bright, modern mural contrasts interestingly with the classic white interior of the next room. 

The exhibition was 'Don't Let's Ask For The Moon', featuring work by the Leeds-born Victorian artist John Atkinson Grimshaw [1836-1893]. (A more Northern name would be hard to find!). Atkinson Grimshaw specialised in 'Nocturnes' - twilight and moonlight pictures - which brought him great commercial success. Many were waterside scenes on the Thames in London (below), Liverpool, Scarborough, Glasgow and the Aire in Leeds.   

On display were several Leeds scenes that I've not seen before.  'Boar Lane, Leeds by Lamplight' is evocative of the wet streets, slightly misty evening air and the gas-lit shops, with the lights of a steam tram halt in the distance. 

I really liked 'Tree Shadows on the Park Wall, Roundhay Park, Leeds', with the lone figure telling quite a story, I thought. 

Most of his work was landscapes but he also painted a series of works depicting mythical fairy-like creatures, including 'Iris, messenger to the Gods'. Here he was able to pursue an interest in mythology, a serious classical subject, sanctioning his painting of erotically charged nudes. No doubt they made him money too! 

I loved 'Snow and Mist' (below), which was much lighter and more minimal, one of the last paintings he completed. Overall, it was an enjoyable exhibition. I like his paintings, though they don't quite rank in the 'thrilling' category of art, for me.