NO.19 — SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER £1.50 WHERE SOLD

New Appointments to our Management Committee ‘Art of Hope and Reconciliation’ – The Collection in West Yorkshire ‘Come and See’ – The Collection in Solihull ‘BatteredNewsletter 19 — Spring and 2018 Berthed’ – The Collection in Hull Running Head 1 NO.19 — SPRING 2018

EDITORIAL New faces on the We extend a very warm welcome to a number of newly POSTCARDS appointed Management Committee members. A little We are pleased to report that the Publishing and Communications Team of the Methodist Church have been working on a newly designed more background on each and every one can be found, booklet of postcards, featuring 24 of some of the most popular images facing, on P.3. from the Collection. These will be available, as from 9 April, 2018, through Methodist Publishing (Price: £4.99): www.mph.org.uk (Phone: Management Committee team Public interest in the Collection will shortly be 0845 0178220). The postcard images can be used, as a valuable switching to the where the works will be on resource, by house groups, in worship or, simply, individually, in the show for five weeks, commencing mid-May. The works will traditional manner of communicating with friends. Once Methodist Publishing have exhausted their current stocks of be fairly widely dispersed across the island, showing at six single image postcards, sold in packs of 10, this new booklet will be the different venues, Methodist, C of E and URC premises. only available source of such images. —Ed It can hardly have escaped the notice of all lovers of fine art (classical or modern!) that the price achieved MARY ROSEWEIR MR IAN BAKER — SECRETARY Film Festival and the St. Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival For a number of years, we have had a contract with the Enfield Circuit ELECT TO THE FRIENDS at auction, back in November 2017, in New York, for of the Methodist Church whereby the circuit administrator, Mary Ltd. In 2015 she enjoyed a consultancy role in Community Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the Roseweir, has spent an average of four hours a week working on Engagement at the oldest Methodist chapel in the world, The behalf of the Collection. As part of this work, she has organised our World) was an astonishing £341 Million. This makes it committee meetings and written the minutes. Mary retired in August Ian Baker has been a Friend of the Collection for several New Room, in Bristol. She is also a practising artist with a the only Leonardo painting now held in private hands 2017 and new arrangements have since been put in place. Over the years and is offering his skills to develop the Friends network. small selection of work held in private and public collections. (There are fewer than 20 fully accredited paintings of years, she developed a very considerable knowledge of the nature Now retired, his career in administration spanned both the and purpose of the Collection and of the work of the Management his still in existence)… This hammer price shattered all Committee. Her friendly response to enquiries and her willing corporate and not for profit sectors. His events management MS LUCY CLEEVE previous ceilings at auction sales, doubling the highest helpfulness have been very much appreciated by committee members has included a major festival service at St Paul’s Cathedral for and exhibition organisers alike. We are delighted that, by becoming a figure paid for a painting. Such an event leaves one with member of our supportive Friends organisation, she will continue to their benevolent fund. Currently a PCC member at St James Lucy Cleeve is a freelance curator, consultant and producer a uncomfortable feeling. What might Christ’s view have maintain close contact with the work of the Collection. the Great, Colwall, Ian is keen to sustain the witness of the who has 20 years’ experience across the cultural sector for been on such use of money? Dr John Gibbs, Chair of the Management Committee Collection, being struck by its impact on exhibition visitors. He organisations such as Tate Britain, the British Council and is already an established contributor to the Friends Newsletter. Arts Council England. She has a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art and is working towards a PhD thesis REVD RUTH GEE examining a post-secular theology of art. She brings extensive expertise to the planning of the tour programme of the Ruth is currently Chair of the Darlington District and Collection and offers experience of fundraising, advocacy and Art Collection Management Committee Members formerly served in the West Yorkshire District as a circuit the commissioning of new works. Dr John Gibbs (Chair/Treasurer), Revd Graham minister and also as Ecumenical Officer and Synod Secretary. Kent (Secretary), Bob Williams (Secretary, Friends Group), Prof Ann Sumner, Meryl Before entering ordained ministry, Ruth had a career in MR SIMON SOROKOS Doney, Sarah Middleton, Paul Bayley, Revd teaching and still enjoys opportunities to follow this aspect Ruth Gee, Ian Baker, Rebecca Gibbs, Lucy of her calling. Ruth is enthusiastic about the Collection and Simon Sorokos was a lead organiser of the 2017 exhibition of Cleeve, Simon Sorokos has used it often in worship and in leading retreats and quiet the MMAC in Canterbury at the city’s Beaney Art Gallery Acting Administrator – Liz Millard days. She has experienced and is excited by the significant in partnership with Kent College Canterbury (part of the email: [email protected] Phone: 020 7467 5214 missional opportunities offered by exhibiting the Collection MIST group of schools) where he is employed as a teacher Custodian – Dr Peter Forsaith both within the Darlington District and further afield. and Special Projects Manager. He brings vision and expertise Ruth was President of the Methodist Conference (2013- for engaging educational institutions more fully with the www.methodist.org.uk/artcollection 2014) and, until recently, served as Chair of the Methodist work of the Collection. He holds a diploma in Art History Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Council and remains a member of the Faith and Order from the University of Cambridge and is studying for an (The Supporters of the Methodist Modern Art Collection) Committee and Moderator of the Forum of Churches Together MSc in Charity Marketing and Fundraising. His network Patrons: The President of Conference, The in England. of contacts for work at Kent College include Sotheby’s and From the ‘Come and See’ exhibition in Solihull: Ghislaine Very Revd Nick Bury, Phil Allison Howard, The Washing of the Feet, with floral arrangement. various universities. Photo: John Handford Bob Williams MS REBECCA NK GIBBS Secretary to the Friends of the Collection Our new appointments will, between them, enhance the and Newsletter Editor 11, Late Broads, Winsley, Rebecca’s professional career has embraced management current strengths of the Management Committee in being able Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts, BA15 2NW consultancy, computer programming and website design. to offer further curatorial and networking skills, expertise in Phone: 01225 720188 Currently, she is carrying this experience forward with a [email protected] fundraising and marketing, an awareness of what social media focus on the Arts and engagement. Rebecca is a trustee of the might bring to the table and an understanding of mission. We Produced by Cultureshock Media Front cover: Hull’s ‘Battered Gibbs Trust, a former Chair of both the Bristol Afrika Eye extend a warm welcome to them all. —Ed Art Director: Alfonso Iacurci and Berthed’ exhibition Designer: Luke Smith venue, just prior to opening www.cultureshockmedia.co.uk Photo: Mark Kensett Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 3 And a welcome to our new Patron of the Friends Group

MR PHIL ALLISON Should we get rid of

Phil is a son of the Manse. In 2003, he launched Cultureshock Media with Tim Marlow (currently Artistic Director at the Royal Academy) and Judy Reed. Fifteen our Eric Gill? years later, and with Phil still at the helm as CEO, the business has grown to deliver arts and culture information across the international arts scene and across all media platforms. Among his extensive client base he numbers major auction houses, a wide range of international museums and This question is exercising the art world, at many levels, at the using the clear and now so familiar Gill (and Gill derived) galleries, broadcasting companies, banks and fashion brands. current time. And, with a work by Gill in the Collection, we typefaces that have become integral to all our lives? Then let's We are constantly appreciative of the fact that, free of charge, have, in recent months, had the occasional direct enquiry as not start on drug addiction, financial irregularity… Maybe he makes available the services of members of his team to to our stance over this matter. art is a key avenue to better understanding. What was it Jesus design this Newsletter and also the Collection’s Annual The whole sad story of the prevalence of child abuse, wrote in the sand?’ Report. He looks after us very well and it is by way of a small both historic and continuing, has rightly led to considerable However, it is only right and proper that the alternative gesture of appreciation that Phil has recently been invited to soul searching. Numerous eminent institutions hold, often view is represented within these columns. The following join our select group of Patrons. extremely valuable, works by artists who might well be communication has been received: ‘Did the trustees consider described today as 'alternative, sexually deviant or even, the fact that, as Church, we seek to follow Jesus Christ rather downright criminal'. It is a minefield. There are certainly than the world? The assertion that the trustees' decision best bodies that have ownership of Gill's works that will be reflects the response of national collections in which Gill's deliberating on their strategy, taking note of the opinions work features seems to me to be a poor defence given that of employees, share-holders, supporter groups and external this collection represents the Methodist Church’s endeavours critics. The Tate, with well in excess of 100 works, the BBC, to enable people inside the church to connect their faith to the University of Leeds, Westminster Abbey, the British art. Further, its desire to encourage folk outside the church Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery to consider the Christian message, presented through of Scotland, Amgueddfa Cymru/ National Museum Wales, the medium of art. What message are the Management The Met in New York and numerous other institutions, have Committee and, indeed, the Trustees of the Collection all invested in, or been given works by Gill. intending to send out by retaining this work?’ We, as Management Committee members, have had I can inform Friends and supporters that, after lengthy opinions expressed to us across the whole spectrum of the discussion, the Management Committee has decided to move argument. My own position is, simply, to pose the question: The Annunciation to our Reserve Collection. This reserve If public institutions removed their Gill sculptures, drawings collection is maintained for works which are not normally and prints from public view, might it not be implicit that available for exhibition; perhaps because they are too fragile they should do the same with their priceless paintings to travel or because they represent a preliminary sketch for by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Michelangelo, all a completed work. In this case we will be using the ‘reserve complicit to a greater or lesser extent in what, today, would collection designation’ to indicate to potential borrowers that certainly be termed paedophilia? Personally, I would be bereft they should reflect carefully on whether or not it would be if told that one of my all-time favourite works and a painting right for them to include the work in their exhibition. The that speaks to me in a very personal way, Caravaggio’s Supper Committee has further decided to reassess the situation in at Emmaus were to disappear for ever from its very public twelve months. display on the walls of the National Gallery - on the strength of exactly the same argument. — The Editor A similar view, from someone closely involved with our Collection for many years, reads: ‘I entirely agree: if works of art were to be judged by the artist's sexual behaviour, galleries would have some very bare walls, plus empty bookshelves (no Shakespeare sonnets, and as for Pepys and his servant girls…) Phil Allison and silent classical music concerts. Likewise, should we cease

4 New faces Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 5 Friends of the Collection in focus A work in focus OUR FRIEND IN PROFILE IS RICHARD MARTIN RICHARD MARTIN’S CHOICE

Richard is an alumnus of Kingswood constituency of Friends) as the author of History at Windlesham House School, In 1924 Croatian artist, Ivan Mestrovic, become a member of the Fellowship today as one ponders on the suffering School and Westminster College. the enthusiastic Foreword to the current where it had become clear to me what a who has sculptures exhibited at Parham of Reconciliation. of the Rohingya people in Myanmar or We have all heard about the traveller ‘Guide to the Methodist Art Collection’. remarkable resource art could be in my House, wrote, “Art is a song and a prayer Together with another MMAC the similar fate of those trapped in the who, on asking for directions, was However, being myself a pupil with very teaching of the subject. The National at the same time.” This view has always work, Graham Sutherland’s The never ending fighting in parts of the advised not to start from hereabouts. limited personal artistic talent, the decisive Portrait Gallery became a great resource seemed to be very much in accord with Deposition, painted immediately after Middle East. In the top right corner My ‘journey into Christian art’ certainly moment came when I was invited to revise and over the years, the staff there Methodism, a denomination ‘born in World War II and redolent of those of Hoyland’s painting there are Wise has something of this tale about it. for my A levels while acting as a room became sufficiently happy with my song,’ and it became my starting-point dreadful concentration camp images, Men shown as backpackers travelling How did a former PE teacher come now steward for the Methodist Art Collection, competence to allow me to lead my own too in making my choice of a piece from Nativity polyptych remains equally through dangerous-looking woods to be ‘senior guide’ at the wonderful on display at Kingswood during the sessions with my pupils. the Collection. Writing, as I am, at the disturbing in this 21st century world of and I wonder what guiding star they Parham House, East Sussex (in Simon summer of 1963. Those hours spent with As Deputy Head, in charge of daily launch of a new year, and having spent ours; for alongside the naturalness of the would be following in this day and age? Jenkins’ words ‘a house of magic’), Vice- these many treasures around me made, worship in the school chapel, it is hardly many hours in recent weeks singing of stable scene depicting a radiant Christ- There appear today to be so many false Chair of the Storrington Arts Society, with hindsight, a huge impact on one who surprising that my interest in Christian the birth of Christ, a nativity painting child with his gently resting parents, the prophets dispensing fake news... the deliverer of occasional talks on then had little time for anything other art burgeoned in the way it did. Another which contains a fervent prayer for other elements in Hoyland’s predella Christian art, and now the author of a than the next sporting encounter! seminal moment was to come with humankind to change its treatment of focus on more distressing aspects of the I am particularly pleased to be able to feature for this Newsletter? I moved on to Westminster a visit, in 2000, to the powerful and others, definitely ‘ticks the boxes’ for story. Those who felt that a Massacre feature Richard Martin in this edition The beginnings of this odyssey College, Oxford, to train to teach PE, challenging Image of Christ exhibition, me. I therefore invite readers to join of the Innocents by nuclear war had of the Newsletter. His thoughts link so occurred, without doubt, during my years an element of my career that certainly ‘Seeing Salvation,’ curated at the me in examining Nativity polyptych by disappeared from the possible evils that very well with the report, in our Spring at Kingswood School, Bath, where I was brought much satisfaction. Yet even National Gallery by the legendary Francis Hoyland. one nation might wreak on another 2017 Newsletter, of Prof Ann Sumner’s fortunate to encounter the remarkable then the Collection continued to pursue Neil MacGregor. Born in Birmingham, Hoyland have been disabused of that belief, after excellent presentation, to members of art teacher, Dane Maw, whose impact me, since a return visit for a reunion Modern Christian art has painted this work in 1961 at a time listening to the boasts of Kim Jong-un the School, in the Kingswood Theatre. would I’m sure be firmly recognised by my brought me once again into contact continued to thread its way into my when there was bitter fighting in the and Donald Trump.The themes of Ann is, of course, a fellow alumnus of contemporary there, one Richard Cork. with the Methodist Collection that, journey – Trinity, our local Methodist Congo. I can recall how much its themes raging warfare in the wider predella Kingswood and it was good to hear her Richard is, of course, well known as an now in a new home, was displayed Church in Storrington, has acquired fed into my late teenage views, idealism panel and the mid-right panel depicting remind the young people of the part played art historian, editor, critic, broadcaster, around the College. I had by this time a marvellous collection of beautifully not yet fully matured, but already of Christ with his parents as refugees, by their school in the evolving story of the exhibition curator and not least (to our hung up my boots and was Head of reproduced John Reilly prints and a decidedly pacifist leaning. I readily fleeing persecution and worse, echo Methodist Modern Art Collection. —Ed during a recent Steyning Festival it acknowledge the fortune of this stance was an immense privilege to ‘sit at the being a ‘soft’ pacifism, as not only was feet’ of Richard Harries when he spoke I a post-war baby, but I was also spared about his own deep encounters with any decision regarding National Service. Christian art. I have also been greatly My adopting this approach was, though, moved by the quality of stained glass not in the least bit surprising given the work by Sussex artist Mel Howse. Her nature of my upbringing, as not only 2003 window in the Windlesham were my parents married by ‘Doc,’ House Chapel, celebrating the life of family friend Lord Soper, but I was long-serving Head, Charles Malden, and christened by him too. My given name, the ‘Trevor Huddlestone’ window in Richard, was also in recognition of the (Above) R. Martin. Photo: Sam Pells; (Left) The the majestic Lancing College Chapel are inspiration my parents received from Charles Malden Window, Windlesham House School Chapel. Photo: Richard Martin among my favourites. Her most recent Richard ‘Dick’ Sheppard of St spectacular commission I have yet to see, Martin in the Fields, another founder but it has lately been installed at Otford of the Peace Pledge Union. By the time Methodist Church, near Sevenoaks, I had graduated to the 6th form at and she is now working on a project for Kingswood, my family were veterans . of the Aldermaston marches and I had Francis Hoyland (b.1930), Nativity polyptych, 1961. Oil

6 Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 7 THE COLLECTION ON ITS TRAVELS

COME AND SEE the exhibition Peter Farndon organised ART OF HOPE AND Solihull Methodist Church and the a further concert, with the title ‘Come, RECONCILIATION Courtyard Gallery, Solihull Library See and Hear’, when he chose musical Ben Rhydding Methodist Church 7—30 September 2017 pieces to link with the paintings. All and Christchurch on The Grove, the concerts were wonderful and the Ilkley (Methodist/URC) final concert, attracting an audience of 4—8 October 2017 150, becoming a grand finale that was so ‘Was it all worth it? well received that it led to a debate as to As part of the Ilkley Art Trail 2017, Most certainly!’ whether it was a concert or actually an nine pictures from the Collection act of worship? Talks relating to the Art were displayed at two locations in the Collection were given by Management Yorkshire spa town. The theme was the Solihull Methodist Church celebrated Committee Members, Revd Graham impact of WWI & II on the lives of the the 80th anniversary of its building in Kent and Dr Peter Forsaith. selected artists. The showing coincided June, 2017. Revd Ken Howcroft, our Each venue featured 13 paintings. with commemorations at Ben Rhydding minister, suggested that we could mark In the church we had those that told to mark the 100th anniversary of the (Top) The hanging team at Ben Rhydding: Ann Sumner, Barbara Davy the occasion by bringing the Methodist the story of Holy Week through to death of Capt. Eric Wilkinson, who was (Ilkley Art Club), Peter Bastow and Chris Solomon (Ben Rhydding Modern Art Collection to Solihull – Pentecost. In the library we included killed at the Battle of Passchendaele on Methodist Church). Photo: Martin Johnson; (Bottom) Graham Sutherland’s The Deposition on display at Ben Rhydding Methodist quite a challenge! paintings of the Nativity and Jesus’ Sunday, 9 October, 1917. Wilkinson Church with introductory storyboard. Photo Ann Summer We displayed the paintings, not only ministry. The highlight of our went to Ilkley Grammar School and in the church but also the Courtyard later taught there. A volume of his war supporting programme was a Flower (Top) Jacques Iselin, The Elements of the Holy Gallery of Solihull Library, so that it Festival during the first full week. This Communion, with floral arrangement; (Above) poems was published shortly before his showing victims of the Bergen-Belsen Rhydding Primary School, put together Norman Adams, Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, would reach a larger number of people. was masterminded by Margaret Rumens with floral arrangement. death, at the age of 26. The majority concentration camp in April 1945. by Roger Davy, was also on display The Courtyard Gallery is adjacent to (a Chelsea Gold Medallist, no less!) who Photos: Both John Handford of the paintings were displayed at Ben An opening event on 4th October and a further commemoration with the Touchwood Shopping Centre so recruited members of Solihull Flower Rhydding where the 1950s stained glass was well attended. 53 enthusiastic them, on the Monday, saw the church more people were likely to see it rather Club and other Midlands flower clubs window by Harry Stammers A Sower volunteer stewards greeted visitors packed with participating children, than make the special trip to the church, to interpret the paintings in flowers. the different tasks, it all seemed to fall Went Forth to Sow, was incorporated and distributed the information ‘hand and their parents. The exhibition was although only 10 minutes’ walk away. The word most used to describe the into place. The paintings provoked so into the display. Stammers contributed outs’. The Visitors Book revealed that made possible by generous support One of the challenges was to raise arrangements was ‘stunning’. One much thought and discussion, provided to the famous Airmen’s Chapel at audiences came from the Wirral, from Churches Together in Ilkley, the money to stage the exhibition. We example was that the pink roses that wonderful publicity for Methodism . Lytham St Annes, Manchester and York sponsorship from a local company, obtained a number of generous grants were used to represent the water in and brought many newcomers into At both churches, storyboards with most from Ilkley, Otley and Leeds, Servicepower and generous donations and organised four concerts. On the the bowl in the ‘Washing of the Feet’ our church. explained the overall theme of the all giving positive feedback. by two local benefactor couples. church anniversary weekend in June painting by Ghislaine Howard’ were the Overall visitor numbers of just exhibition - the hope artists found in Ann Sumner, a Management We are grateful to all who helped the Solihull Methodist Community variety called ‘Cool Water’. short of 3,200 was, in itself, rewarding. Christian themes as they recovered from Committee member, lectured on the us bring the Collection to Ilkley, Choir led by our own organist, Peter It has to be said that, in spite of our Was it all worth it? Most certainly! I their own experiences of war, whether history of the Collection, explaining the whether as volunteers or donors. The Farndon, performed ‘Anno Domini’, a best efforts in providing press releases, would encourage any church to consider they had lived through bombing raids impact on its founder, John Morel Gibbs exhibitions and events programme choral work that follows the events in the response of the local media was taking on a similar challenge. as children (Elisabeth Frink), served of both World Wars. His own father linking the Collection to nationwide the Bible to the present day. This was disappointing, although an honorable in the army themselves (William died in action in WWI and he, himself, commemorations, marking 100 years followed by a cream tea in the church, mention should go to Clare Balding for — Sue Balmer Roberts), been a medical orderly (Roy was a conscientious objector in WWII. since WWI, brought new audiences into recently renovated with the installation giving the event a mention on her Radio de Maistre), a child refugee fleeing Nazi On 8th October a Service inspired by both churches and a new perspective to of chairs. In July Dan Jarvis (an up and 2 Sunday Morning programme. As the accompanying photographs show, Germany (Ralph Beyer) or who had the Collection at Ben Rhydding was the curation of the Collection. coming star from Solihull, now working Putting on the exhibition was a the way that the highly original floral witnessed conflict as an official War led by Rev Liz Smith. That afternoon a in the West End) and friends performed challenge and took a year to bring to arrangements complemented the works Artist (Graham Sutherland) and how commemoration of the life of Captain Chris Solomon and Ann Sumner, songs from West End shows and in fruition. We had a small planning group of art, gave the exhibition, at both their experience of war had influenced Wilkinson took place, celebrating his Exhibition organisers at Ben Rhydding. September Nigel Ogden (the Radio 2 who proved to be a magnificent team venues, an extra dimension. Warm their art. Graham Sutherland’s poetry, and attended by Ilkley Grammar organist – ‘The Organist Entertains’) who had to work very hard but, once congratulations to the various Flower Deposition was inspired by a booklet of School staff and students. A moving gave an organ recital. On the last day of we started getting our heads around Clubs involved. —Ed harrowing images of the Nazi Holocaust exhibition of artwork and poetry by Ben

8 Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 The Collection on its travels 9 BATTERED AND BERTHED feeling ‘at sea’, or being unsettled by us in considering the various works FROM SUFFERING TO Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull the story being told (their “Battered” of art, to reflect on ‘the refuge of our SANCTUARY 21 October—31 December, 2017 painting) and a light button to be placed own home berth’ and what the Advent Victoria Methodist Church, Bristol under the painting that made them feel season means to us, individually, as 27 January—28 February, 2018 safe or gave them a sense of belonging well as a community. The exhibition ‘We wanted to offer (their “Berthed” picture). deliberately contained few written words; Four works from the Collection formed By creating a pop-up gallery in we wanted to offer people a sanctuary part of a powerful exhibition at Victoria people a sanctuary the middle of one of the large shopping space, and trust the Holy Spirit to do any Methodist Church in Bristol in January centres in the very heart of Hull, we interpreting that was required. With over and February 2018. The exhibition was space, and trust the managed to provide a counter-cultural 4,000 visitors coming in over the days we entitled ‘From Suffering to Sanctuary’ Holy Spirit to do space, particularly in the consumerist were open to the public, plus those who and was timed to open on Holocaust and stressful run up to Christmas. The came as part of booked visits, popped Memorial Day. It served also to open up any interpreting shopping centre itself has had a difficult in for the live “Arts House’, or Sunday the newly refurbished sanctuary to the time economically, and is just starting evening reflections, we were busy people. local community and beyond. that was required.’ to find its feet again. The Visitors’ Book We know that the Good News that Graham Sutherland’s painting, reflects how people appreciated not only there is a harbour in the storm, a place The Deposition, perhaps the best-known During our year in the spotlight as the the amazing work they found within the to belong, and an ancient story of hope of the four, is acknowledged to have UK City of Culture 2017 ‘Believe in exhibition but also the space to ‘be’. ‘ that we can be part of, has reached many been influenced by his viewing of Hull’, a collection of 90 churches across During the season of Advent, we people in Hull this last Christmas. The photographs of Buchenwald and other the city worked together to bring part of traditionally explore stories of waiting, of photograph below shows folk gathered concentration camps. the Methodist Modern Art Collection hope, and of home, our personal ‘berth’, for one of our Sunday evening sessions to Reflecting the church’s wider into the centre of the city. Hull’s long and reflect on a birth for a new family in consider one specific painting together, emphasis on refugees and asylum seafaring history is celebrated and reflected a place far from home. In the Battered and sing a few alternative carols (‘O broken seekers, Francis Hoyland’s Nativity in the city’s unique culture; those who and Berthed exhibition we offered a town of Bethlehem, Your people long for Polyptych drew attention to 20th worked at sea were frequently subject to a varied programme of guided visits for peace…’ proved a particular favourite). century expressions of the Massacre severe battering by the wind and waves. groups. To tie in with late night shopping of the Innocents: warfare raging in The City of Culture volunteers, we offered live performances at what we — Liane Kensett the Congo at the time Hoyland was dressed in their iconic turquoise and called “Arts House”. Local musicians, painting (1961), a child struck down by (Top) ‘Concentration Camp’ scenario, from the Opera Brundibar; (Middle) The Dalit Madonna proving as popular as pink, encouraged visitors into the puppeteers and storytellers came, So many interesting new initiatives a nuclear attack, parents fleeing with a ever; (Above) Francis Hoyland’s Nativity polyptych and Jyoti exhibition, and volunteers from ‘Believe together with more renowned performers here. Well done Liane and your team! pram in Richmond Park. Sahi’s Dalit Madonna seen together at Bristol Victoria. in Hull’ welcomed them, providing like Bob Hartman and Dave Bainbridge, However, once again it is sad to have Jyoti Sahi’s large canvas, Dalit information about the exhibition. ‘I Spy’ to fill our Thursday evenings as people to report that the uptake from local Madonna, showing an Indian mother quizzes were given to younger visitors popped in to see what was going on. schools in the Hull area was very limited with her unborn infant, evoked a A most memorable part of the day church community can do to encourage and, most importantly, two buttons! Local community and faith leaders with many reporting that the cost of poignant tenderness as a backdrop was hearing from three speakers linked inclusion and dialogue through food, A dark button to be placed below the gave talks, led workshops, and helped transporting pupils to the exhibition to the children’s opera ‘Brundibar’ with the Voice Network, describing conversation and the creative arts. image that most evoked a sense of create reflective space to encourage venue was prohibitive. —Ed which was staged twice during the their experience in Bristol as refugees day. The opera, performed in Terezin from Iran, Iraq and Albania. Bristol — Sarah Middleton concentration camp, follows a folk Hospitality Network, who offer support storyline that acts as an allegory for to destitute refugees and asylum seekers, Readers may also be interested to know the triumph of unity and friendship prepared a delicious meal for those who of an illuminating talk about Edward over oppression. While it has no overt had come to learn and express solidarity Burra’s Pool at Bethesda, in terms of the references to the conditions under through visiting the exhibition and influence on the artist of photographs which it was performed, certain phrases watching the opera. coming out of Bergen-Belsen. The talk would have been recognized by the Local schools had been approached was given by Rev Bruce Thompson, as audience as clearly anti-Nazi. to produce artwork relating to the part of a series offered when the Methodist The fourth work from the story of ‘Brundibar’. The exhibition Modern Art Collection was on show at Methodist Collection was Nicholas also featured poems and paintings by Lincoln Cathedral. The full script of Mynheer’s Rest on the Flight to Egypt, Abdullah Bash, an Iranian refugee this talk may be seen on the Resources painted in 2003. All four paintings living in Bristol, and photographs by page of the Art Collection website at had been captioned with additional Jackie Morgan relating to the context of www.methodist.org.uk/media/7232/ (Above) Exhibition curator, Liane Kensett; (Right) One of our special Sunday evenings commentaries by students at the Coptic Christians in Egypt. btonebfinalscriptmar2018.pdf —Ed together. Photos: Tony Barker and Mark Kensett neighbouring Bristol School of Art. An excellent example of what a

10 The Collection on its travels Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 The Collection on its travels 11 TWO EXHIBITIONS IN NORWICH AT ELSEWHERE IN THE ART WORLD THE TURN OF THE YEAR…

TRURO CATHEDRAL’S is a late Victorian THE MURALS OF THE BOGSIDE 93 Rembrandt etchings bequeathed to As in The Pool of Bethesda, or Christ CRAIGIE AITCHISONS edifice not over-endowed with religious ARTISTS: ART, CONFLICT AND the Castle in 1951, together with four Writes in the Dust in the Methodist art although the impressive stained glass REMEMBERING loaned paintings. As the title suggests, Collection, both exhibitions brought We are told that it took a good few years does include a particularly interesting Hostry the exhibition was designed to explore the viewer face to face with real people for the work of Craigie Aitchison, R.A., portrayal of John Wesley, in full flow, November 2017 the artist’s fascination with light and in their everyday lives, caught up in C.B.E. (1926-2009) to be accepted, preaching at Gwennap Pit. Thus the shade and his skill as a printmaker – in extraordinary circumstances that can be as appropriate for display in places of Aitchison’s images do very much catch REMBRANDT: LIGHTENING fact he was better known for prints than devastating or transformative. worship. It was, in fact, the last throes the eye. THE DARKNESS for paintings in his lifetime. The process of the 20th Century before Truro Further works by Craigie Aitchison Norwich Castle Museum and Art was illuminated through the display — Meryl Doney Cathedral made what, at the time, can be found in , Gallery of several stages of a print, and the would have seemed a brave decision. Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, October 2017—January 2018 exhibition included a print room where Conscious that our reporting, other A site-specific placement of a work, National Galleries of Scotland, the process could be explored with than on sovereign Methodist Modern a tetraptych entitled Calvary, was in Birmingham Art Gallery and in St. On paper, these two exhibitions seemed resident artists. Art Collection exhibitions, tends to be 1996-7, commissioned and funded, Michael’s, Aldebourne. The Tate also chalk and cheese. The in-your–face Rembrandt’s mastery of the London and West Country-centric, I am by the Jerusalem Trust. It can be seen have four of his works within their own rawness of 12 murals painted on the medium was particularly marked in delighted to be able to include a review of in St. Margaret’s Chapel, taking its Collection, one of which is a 1987 work sides of buildings during the Troubles some 44 religious works on show. It recent significant happenings in Norwich. place behind and above Peter Skerrett’s entitled Crucifixion 9. in Northern Ireland contrasted with the is not always evident to us today, but —Ed beautifully fashioned contemporary yew subtle light and dark of Rembrandt’s Rembrandt portrayed his religious and glass altar of 2002. Extensive notes on the Methodist Modern etchings, made just under 400 years figures in contemporary dress, The Aitchison paintings occupy the Art Collection’s Pink Crucifixion print earlier in a peaceful Holland. Yet for emphasising the reality and humanity of four small arched recesses on the east can be found on the 2106 insert to anyone familiar with the Methodist the biblical stories and of Jesus himself. wall of the chapel. They are very much the Guide. Modern Art Collection, they highlight Some of the most moving, like the in the accepted tradition of his works on many of the same universal themes. etching Christ Preaching, show ordinary the theme of the Crucifixion with the — The Editor In the Cathedral Hostry Gallery people crowding around Christ, two thieves on either side of Christ, and the travelling exhibition Art, Conflict transformed through contact with him. Aitchison’s Bedlington terriers making & Remembering was skilfully mounted their requisite appearance on two of the on black industrial-looking poles. It panels. We can also observe a bluebird focused on twelve iconic murals painted perched on the horizontal element of on the walls of the Bogside area of the cross, adjacent to our Lord’s left arm. Derry/Londonderry by three artists who experienced the Troubles first hand. They are not graffiti artists in the usual sense. They are muralists with many years’ experience – William Kelly, who died in 2017, gained an honours degree in painting. The murals themselves, and the events they commemorate, are documented by eight contemporary photographers whose black and white images vividly convey the every-day domestic setting of the conflict. Here are pictures of real people, caught up in the horror and tragedy of armed conflict on their own streets. (Above) Christ Preaching with the Sick The exhibition in Norwich Castle around Him, Receiving Little Children, St. Margaret’s Chapel, showing the Aitchison tetraptych Peter Skerrett’s 2002 altar A section from the Calvary tetraptych offered a unique opportunity to see the c.1649. Etching; (Right) Poster

12 Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 Elsewhere in the art world 13 BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEW

IMAGE, IDENTITY AND JOHN A GOOD YEAR — WESLEY: A STUDY IN PORTRAITURE A COMPILATION BY PETER S. FORSAITH Routledge, 2017. ISBN 978-1-138-20789-9. Of interest to Friends of the Collection is that three of the contributions refer to pictures to help ‘Although Wesley lived in an age of satire, illustrate their written thoughts. Sarah Mullally, then of Crediton but he himself seems largely to have escaped.’ recently appointed Bishop of London, in her reflection on the Advent season refers to The Dalit Madonna by Jyoti Sahi and part of the Collection. She makes the point that Mary was an outcast of society in terms of being a refugee and did he sit, and where is the portrait There are hundreds of different unmarried but the picture provides – since there is no other evidence? It prints of Wesley, some derived from a powerful image that God is found is convoluted, but my conclusion is paintings, some not. Although amongst the broken and in unexpected that this was in spring/summer 1755, Wesley lived in an age of satire, when places and people. though after six sittings there was no cartoonists pelted anyone in the public Justin Welby, Archbishop of resulting portrait. eye with insults and invective, he Canterbury, writing on Lent refers to The That exploration is a useful himself seems largely to have escaped. Calling of Saint Matthew, by Caravaggio, introduction to some of the issues and Concluding chapters look at Wesley’s Seasons influence our lives in various in a section that encourages folk to spend complexities around the whole subject. (ambiguous) attitude to art and – back forms, and the extent to which we are time listening and sensing what God is The next chapters consider portraits to beginnings – how what we recognise governed by them, differs. The church saying to them. Stephen Conway, Bishop John Wesley: Man of Many Faces... ‘from the life’. Two-thirds date from as accepted pictures of Wesley came is not exempted and a few years ago of Ely, uses no fewer than four pictures in Years ago I was asked to catalogue the his last decade, leaving a general but to be where and how they are. A full St Paul’s Cathedral Adult Learning his Easter season contribution. He takes pictures in the Museum of Methodism, misleading perception of an elderly appendix lists all the pictures I have Department invited four to talk Noli Me Tangere by David Wynne, The Wesley’s Chapel, London. As I did, clergyman. After he died people still been able to track down over more than to enquirers about how the Church of Resurrection by Piero della Francesca, The it seemed that for every painting of painted pictures of him – right into 25 years – as I write no one has yet told England divides its year into seasons. Resurrection with the Raising of Jairus’s anybody (most are portraits) there was the 21st century, and it is intriguing to me of others! They were asked to elaborate on some of Daughter by Sir Stanley Spencer and yet another picture of John Wesley. And see how the image evolved and heroic the distinctive religious and theological Christus Rex by Peter Eugene Ball. they were all slightly different. What, I stereotypes developed. Dr. Forsaith is Research Fellow of features of each season. Subsequently We live in a very visual age and wondered, were the stories behind them? The Victorian era brought a crop the Oxford Centre for Methodism requests were made to publish these talks some would say that the younger Were there other portraits elsewhere – of large moralising ‘scene paintings’: and Church History, Oxford Brookes but this was put on hold pending the generation neglect the written word and what were they like, and what was Wesley’s ‘Journal’ lent itself to University. He is a member of the ordination of women bishops. The result and reading. The fact that three of their background? visualisation. Many hung on the walls Methodist Church Heritage Committee... was that a further three contributions these reflections make use of works of These are the fundamental of the new municipal public galleries and, of course, our invaluable Custodian were provided by the newly appointed art to help make their point, and to questions on which I have tried to but, more typically, as large engravings of the Methodist Modern Art Collection. Bishops of Crediton, Stockport and accompany the written word, highlights focus in my book Image, Identity and adorned the parlours of upstanding Although strictly not within the remit Sherborne. The published outcome in the collaborative role and partnership John Wesley: a study in portraiture. Methodist families. The first (1839) was of Modern Christian Art, this is a 2016 was A Good Year introduced and potential of the Collection. Strictly it is not just about portraits – it of Wesley’s rescue (age 5¾) from the fascinating account of the part played, edited by Mark Oakley, Chancellor of St is about any images of Wesley: how fire that destroyed Epworth Rectory. more often than not, unwittingly, by Paul’s Cathedral. — Ian Baker these originated, how they were used, The artist, Henry Perlee Parker, had ‘the portrait image’ in the long life of the Each contribution reflects the how they were seen. The first chapter painted a picture the previous year Founder of Methodism. —Ed personality, background, life experience A Good Year – Introduced and Edited by deals with a question that has long of Grace Darling rescuing the crew and scholarship of each bishop. In that, Mark Oakley puzzled Wesley buffs: Wesley made two of the wrecked S.S. Forfarshire – lies both the diversity and the richness of Published by SPCK / ISBN 978-0-281- (derogatory) comments about sitting to now synonymous with the lifeboat the . Some are an easy 07703 Sir Joshua Reynolds, founding President movement. One dramatic rescue from read while others benefit from re-reading of the Royal Academy. But when water, another from fire. to derive full value.

14 Friends of the Methodist Modern Art Collection Newsletter 19 — Spring 2018 15 FORTHCOMING TOUR PROGRAMME FOR THE COLLECTION

2018 13 May to 17 June Isle of Man Venue details: 6 churches Ramsey Methodist Church IM8 1DS St.Andrews URC, Douglas IM2 5DA Colby Methodist Church IM9 4NW IM5 1HH Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas IM1 2EG Ballagarey Methodist Church, St. Mark’s IM9 3AH Contact: Mr John Binns, 01624 837143

Email: [email protected]

3-22 August (6-17 to the public) Cromer Methodist Church and Church Hall, Norfolk Hilda Stevens on her 100th Birthday. Contact: Revd Sharon L Willimott, 01263 Photo: Paul Robinson 512405 Email: [email protected] Mrs. Hilda Stevens, thought to be our ‘most senior’ 7-30 September subscribing Friend, seen here celebrating her 100th Winsford, Cheshire birthday back in October 2017. Born into a Baptist Contact: Revd James Patron Bell, family in Bristol, following her marriage and a move 01606 558148 to Bath, Hilda became an active Methodist and a loyal Email: [email protected] member of Oldfield Park and, subsequently, Horizon Church. No longer able to attend in person, she keenly 14 November to 21 December looks forward to receiving a CD recording of the Sunday Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin Morning Service – and her six monthly copy of our Contact: Neil Payne, 00353 87 2557578 Email: [email protected] Friends Newsletter!

2019 30 April – 9 June , Bishop St Methodist Church, St.Nicholas Church, St.Andrews Church (tbc) Contact: Revd Fran Rhys (fran.rhys@ methodist.org.uk), Dr Miriam Gill A THOUGHT TO LEAVE YOU WITH ([email protected]) September/October (tbc), …‘I saw the angel in a piece of marble Carver Uniting Church (Methodist/URC), Windermere and carved until I set it free’… Contact: Revd Martyn Coe Email: [email protected] — Michelangelo

All images from the Collection used here ©TMCP All Photographs The Editor, unless otherwise credited