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Spring 2019 Newsletter £1.50 Where Sold Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection

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Spring 2019 Newsletter £1.50 Where Sold Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection NO.21 — SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER £1.50 WHERE SOLD FRIENDS OF THE METHODIST MODERN ART COLLECTION Our 2018 Governance and Practice Reviews Gareth Powell’s Tribute to Retiring Chair, Dr John Gibbs TheNewsletter Collection 21 — Spring 2019 in Dublin 1 NO.21 — SPRING 2019 EDITORIAL Reflection and renewal: Dear Friend, “I always draw big; I attack the paper with large sweeping forms...” Firstly, as the recently retired Secretary to the Friends With Easter fast approaching it seems entirely appropriate that we Group, can I extend warm congratulations to my successor, feature our treasured Elisabeth Frink drawing, Pieta, on the Front Cover of this Spring edition of the Newsletter. responding to recent reviews Ian Baker. Ian has, over the past year or so, already made his mark within the ranks of the Management Committee As well as being one of the foremost British sculptors of the 20th Century, Frink was a prolific print maker (invariably in the form of and I know that he will represent Friends’ interests with lithographs). Her ability to create the essential line with a pencil – “I efficiency and genuine enthusiasm. The Newsletter will always draw big; I attack the paper with large sweeping forms” - and In the Spring of 2018 the Management Committee decided audiences have the opportunity to engage with it. unfussy, slightly washed out watercolours, often enhanced with ink, remain an effective conduit as Ian and I continue to work were very much a trade-mark. it was important to commission two reviews relating to the Thus far we have had three serious Expressions of closely together. This recent milestone provides us with the Her Times obituary summed up her lifetime’s work rather succinctly workings of the Collection, one concentrating on governance Interest as a new home for the Collection, each offering opportunity to reflect on the development of our Friends’ by noting that there were really three essential themes to her and the other on procedures and practice. Agreed at our May different strengths and we may well receive more. A careful oeuvre: the nature of Man; the "horseness" of horses; and the divine Group over its first decade - see P.11. in human form. Over a lifetime as a working artist she remained 2018 meeting in Oxford, this became the first task for me to process to find the most suitable home, with a support I am delighted to be able to confirm the addition of a immune to any contemporary movements. She possessed an inner take forward as the new Chair of the Committee, in July. structure for the Collection, will now be undertaken. The strength and unshakeable integrity in her art. Much of her early further eminent name to our body of Honorary Patrons, that output often had brutal undertones, a legacy of growing up in the Professor Mike Tooby of Bath Spa University, was cost of the conservation of the Collection is being met by of Lord Leslie Griffiths, the subject of our In Focus feature in War Years, compounded by living in France for seven years and appointed to carry out the governance review. Chezzy the Methodist Church, which is, of course, the owner of the being uncomfortably close to the fall-out from the Algerian War of our Autumn 2018 Newsletter. Independence. Over a working lifetime she made more than 400 Brownen, a consultant collections registrar with broad Collection, together with a donation from the Gibbs Trust. Following a well-received visit to Dublin the next sculptures – “I really set out to be a painter, but sculpture chose experience, was appointed to undertake the practice and We are grateful for the strong support from both sources. me!” - a great many reflecting her love of animals. A number of her opportunity to view will be in May and early June when the bronze pieces have been influenced by her Catholic upbringing and procedural review. A survey, of over half the Collection, Fundraising and applications to broader trusts will be key to works will be exhibited, under the title ‘Wondering Soul’, in can be found in ecclesiastical settings. The Altar Cross in Liverpool was carried out by expert conservators Ruth Bubb and our strategic thinking in the future. Leicester (details on P.16). Thereafter the Collection will be Metropolitan Cathedral, the Eagle Lectern at Coventry, the Walking Louise Vaile. Conservation and re-framing will be carried out Madonna at Salisbury are all fine examples. Her very last piece, taking a rejuvenation pause in the Tour Schedule while a full Risen Christ, positioned over the West Doors of Liverpool’s Anglican During the period of review, a further development during the nine-month pause in our touring programme. programme of conservation is undertaken. Thus Leicester Cathedral, worked on against fearful odds when she was terminally occurred in respect of our long term partner Oxford Brookes We also recognise this as a key opportunity, in the history ill (she died just seven days after the unveiling), proved the perfect will be the last opportunity for a little while to see the memorial. University. It became clear to us that the University would of the Collection, to reflect on our achievements – (the majority of the works on display. Do make the most of it. The Pieta: Should this work actually be considered a Pieta – or a not be in a position to provide the required gallery space and Collection was seen by over 30,000 people in 2018) - and to As mentioned in the Autumn 2018 edition of the Deposition?... Some folk would prefer to see it termed a Deposition but improved storage, long term, on their Westminster Campus. set out a clear, new Five Year Plan. When we re-launch the Frink herself was adamant that, as there is no visual evidence in the Newsletter, the in-depth Governance and Practice Reviews drawing of Christ being lifted down from the cross, this drawing should This has resulted in the search for a new, permanent home Collection it will be in the very best of conditions, many regarding the management of the Collection have been not be termed a Deposition. Similarly, she maintained that a Pieta for the Collection becoming a priority. Last autumn the full works being transformed by surface cleaning and other image did not necessarily have to have a representation of the Virgin undertaken and an appropriate summary of findings appears Mary to be so titled. Management Committee met in Bristol for an inspiring interventions, with strong, suitable frames fit for the demands on P.3. Visioning Away Day both to give consideration to this issue – The Editor of regular touring. and thought to our future ambitions. Please do try to come and see the Collection while it is Having received the recommendations of both in Leicester this May and enjoy the thoughtful programme Art Collection Management Committee Members reviews, the Committee decided to prioritise the immediate of events being planned by the host team. During this pause Prof. Ann Sumner (Chair), Dr John Gibbs, Revd Graham Kent, care issues highlighted in the practice report. In short, period the Friends Newsletter will keep you up to date with Ian Baker (Secretary, Friends Group), Sarah Middleton, Revd Ruth Gee, Rebecca Gibbs, Lucy Cleeve, Simon Sorokos the condition of some paintings had raised concerns; developments. We do intend to develop a series of Friends Acting Administrator – Liz Millard likewise frames and travelling cases. Thus a programme of events over the coming years and we hope to hold one in the email: [email protected] conservation work has begun already - thanks to funding autumn. Further information on this will be provided once Phone: 020 7467 5214 Custodian – Dr Peter Forsaith from the Gibbs Trust. all the details are finalised. email: [email protected] With the above-mentioned developments in mind, We would like to acknowledge our long partnership www.methodist.org.uk/artcollection from June onwards the entire Collection will be brought with Oxford Brookes University and thank colleagues Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection together in high quality, commercial storage where the there, especially our Custodian, Peter Forsaith for his (The Supporters of the Methodist Modern Art Collection) remainder of the works can be fully condition-surveyed. dedicated service. We look forward to this time of reflection Patrons: The President of Conference, The Very Revd Nick Bury, Phil Allison, Lord Leslie Griffiths of Burry Port In order for this work to be carried out, we have agreed a and renewal for the Collection and thank you all for your Walking Madonna, clear rejuvenation pause in our touring for recommended continued support. Ian Baker 1981. Bronze. The Secretary to the Friends of the Collection conservation work, while negotiations begin for a new host Montrose, Brockhill Road, Colwall, Herefordshire, WR13 6EX Close, Salisbury Phone: 01684 540477 Cathedral home for the Collection. We must care for the Collection – Ann Sumner [email protected] Front Cover: Elisabeth to the highest, possible standards, preserving it for future Bob Williams Frink (1930-93), Pieta, Newsletter Editor 1956. Black ink, wash generations and ensuring it plays a key role in the missional Phone: 01225 720188 and watercolour FS. life of the Methodist Church. We also have ambitions to see [email protected] From the Methodist it fully researched and interpreted so that the widest possible Modern Art Collection Produced by Cultureshock Media Art Director: Alfonso Iacurci Designer: Luke Smith www.cultureshockmedia.co.uk Newsletter 21 — Spring 2019 3 A tribute to retiring Chair of Retirement of two long- the Management Committee, serving members of the John Gibbs Management Committee ‘Very many of us have looked and Appreciation in Wales 1945-1996’ at the National Museum in Cardiff.
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