What better place to display ‘Images of God’ than Guildford Cathedral? The beautiful pale stonework is the perfect backdrop for vibrant paintings by the late Norman Adams RA.
Adams was a leading British painter of the second half of the 20th century, renowned for his religious paintings and in this exhibition they are blessed with generous space and suffused in gentle light. Adams’ larger works are rarely seen so it is a great privilege indeed to have them displayed in Guildford. In the Lewis Elton Gallery a short walk away, The Artist in his Environment shows paintings of his holidays and a few of the smaller religious works.
Norman Adams was a greatly admired painter with a fascinating life story (fully told in the exhibition leaflet). Born near London in 1927, he went to Harrow Art School at 13. After winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art he gained many commissions which enabled him to buy a cottage in Yorkshire in 1956. He lived and worked there for the rest of his life with his wife and two boys. His younger, Ben Adams, inherited his father’s work following his death in 2005 and he has been instrumental in helping put this Guildford exhibition together. Ben’s accompanying notes to each painting add real interest to this collection of work.
Adams was elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1972 and during the 80s he fell in love with Provence and spent many happy summers there. He loved to capture the landscape in water colour and these are relatively delicate and mystical in contrast to his vibrant oils. Adams developed Parkinson’s Disease in the 1990s but, determined not to be defeated, he switched from working in oils on larger works to watercolours, working in smaller sections which he later pieced together. His familiar style is still there, and so is the vibrant energy of a creative and passionate man who used painting as a means to express his views on the world.
This enlightening exhibition was instigated by Michael Woodhouse, from Wonersh, who has worked tirelessly with the Lewis Elton Gallery, Guildford Cathedral and be Adams to celebrate the works of Norman Adams. As we wandered through the cathedral, shafts of sunlight spilled across the paintings. Michael tells me that his vision was to see huge works of art in these great spaces and, following a visit to Ben Adams, the seed was sown. Ben’s contribution has been a huge bonus – in welcoming Michael to view his father’s art collection, helping to sort the practicalities of moving the paintings to Guildford and providing enriching insights into his father’s life and work.
How incredibly lucky for the people of Guildford and further afield that the determination and energy of a very small group of people has resulted in this major exhibition. Entrance is free to both Guidford Cathedral and the Lewis Elton Gallery – allow plenty of time to wander and absorb the magnificence of Norman Adams’ work.
Images of God and The Artist in his Environment runs until Thursday October 24, 2013
More info:
Guildford Cathedral 01483 547860 Website: http://www.guildford-cathedral.org Check with the Cathedral that services are not scheduled for when you plan to visit.
Lewis Elton Gallery 01483 689167 and www.surrey.ac.uk/arts/visualarts Gallery open from 10.00 to 17.00 Mon – Fri. Sat & Sun by prior arrangement - call number above.
Adams was a leading British painter of the second half of the 20th century, renowned for his religious paintings and in this exhibition they are blessed with generous space and suffused in gentle light. Adams’ larger works are rarely seen so it is a great privilege indeed to have them displayed in Guildford. In the Lewis Elton Gallery a short walk away, The Artist in his Environment shows paintings of his holidays and a few of the smaller religious works.
Norman Adams was a greatly admired painter with a fascinating life story (fully told in the exhibition leaflet). Born near London in 1927, he went to Harrow Art School at 13. After winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art he gained many commissions which enabled him to buy a cottage in Yorkshire in 1956. He lived and worked there for the rest of his life with his wife and two boys. His younger, Ben Adams, inherited his father’s work following his death in 2005 and he has been instrumental in helping put this Guildford exhibition together. Ben’s accompanying notes to each painting add real interest to this collection of work.
Adams was a prolific painter and worked mainly in oils. His paintings are bold and confident and express his feelings on events both contemporary and also historical. His work nearly always has a message. Christian iconography is a theme and he incorporates worldwide issues such as poverty in the third world. His work is political and religious and each painting deserves sufficient time to comprehend the messages beyond a bold, almost luminous, palette .
Adams was elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1972 and during the 80s he fell in love with Provence and spent many happy summers there. He loved to capture the landscape in water colour and these are relatively delicate and mystical in contrast to his vibrant oils. Adams developed Parkinson’s Disease in the 1990s but, determined not to be defeated, he switched from working in oils on larger works to watercolours, working in smaller sections which he later pieced together. His familiar style is still there, and so is the vibrant energy of a creative and passionate man who used painting as a means to express his views on the world.
This enlightening exhibition was instigated by Michael Woodhouse, from Wonersh, who has worked tirelessly with the Lewis Elton Gallery, Guildford Cathedral and be Adams to celebrate the works of Norman Adams. As we wandered through the cathedral, shafts of sunlight spilled across the paintings. Michael tells me that his vision was to see huge works of art in these great spaces and, following a visit to Ben Adams, the seed was sown. Ben’s contribution has been a huge bonus – in welcoming Michael to view his father’s art collection, helping to sort the practicalities of moving the paintings to Guildford and providing enriching insights into his father’s life and work.
How incredibly lucky for the people of Guildford and further afield that the determination and energy of a very small group of people has resulted in this major exhibition. Entrance is free to both Guidford Cathedral and the Lewis Elton Gallery – allow plenty of time to wander and absorb the magnificence of Norman Adams’ work.
Images of God and The Artist in his Environment runs until Thursday October 24, 2013
More info:
Guildford Cathedral 01483 547860 Website: http://www.guildford-cathedral.org Check with the Cathedral that services are not scheduled for when you plan to visit.
Lewis Elton Gallery 01483 689167 and www.surrey.ac.uk/arts/visualarts Gallery open from 10.00 to 17.00 Mon – Fri. Sat & Sun by prior arrangement - call number above.
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