What an interesting range of style Fry has. You can see the influence of Cezanne in particular; but otherwise I wouldn't have guessed they were all by the same artist.
This morning was looking at two by Fry along with Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and various others in very worthwhile "Scottish Colourists" exhibition at the Dovecot Studios just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile. (Was in town to support the 'Assisted Dying' bill going through our parliament today.) Exhibition continues to 28 June https://dovecotstudios.com/exhibitions/the-scottish-colourists
So fun seeing such a dashing portrait of Edward Carpenter pop up, as I've done some work on Carpenter (early gay rights activist; perhaps the sole "green flag" male friend of writer Olive Schreiner). I love Fry's style.
I'm so glad to see Roger Fry's work in chronological order here. From it one learns that a) he was a talented artist who could work in many styles, and b) that he was a painter in search of a style of his own, without ever arriving at one. I love some of the work displayed in this post, but some are routine efforts. Count Harry Kessler quotes and paraphrases the outspoken designer Eric Gill (of the fonts Gill Sans and Perpetua), whose sculptures were promoted by Fry: "Timidity, the fear of somehow or somewhere violating good aesthetic customs, is the fundamental flaw of English artists. 'There is no abandon.'" I'm not sure Kessler agreed but he dutifully recorded Gill's opinion. (Fry and Kessler went to school together and were lifelong friends.)
Interesting to see that Aberdeen Art Gallery has The Beakfast Table, but like Paul Nash's Wood on the Downs it's not on display. The Lane in Rolling Countryside exactly captures the intense fresh spring green we have at the moment.
This has brightened up my evening. He was eclectic in his painting style and these are beautiful examples. I have been reading your previous article on his childhood and formative years too.
This is a luscious collection! Love the Edward Carpenter (🔥) and Nina Hammett portraits, then the bright boats give such a different energy and appeal.
What an incredible talent. I have always loved his work when I’ve seen it in all the Bloomsbury books. Am going to read the Spaulding bio. Thank you Victoria.
What an interesting range of style Fry has. You can see the influence of Cezanne in particular; but otherwise I wouldn't have guessed they were all by the same artist.
Yes, it is certainly a very eclectic and changing style. Many thanks for your comment, Ruth :)
Fantastic post and opened my eyes to a new-to-me artist. I am truly in awe of how you can put these posts together. Superb curatorship!
Thank you so much, that's very kind!
This morning was looking at two by Fry along with Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and various others in very worthwhile "Scottish Colourists" exhibition at the Dovecot Studios just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile. (Was in town to support the 'Assisted Dying' bill going through our parliament today.) Exhibition continues to 28 June https://dovecotstudios.com/exhibitions/the-scottish-colourists
How wonderful, Ronald. And thank you for including the link. I really wish that I was able to get up there to see the exhibition.
Thank you for mentioning this. Luckily I'll be in Edinburgh from the north before the exhibition closes, so will be able to catch it.
So fun seeing such a dashing portrait of Edward Carpenter pop up, as I've done some work on Carpenter (early gay rights activist; perhaps the sole "green flag" male friend of writer Olive Schreiner). I love Fry's style.
Thank you, Anna. I love the portrait of Carpenter that looks very much like my brother. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the selection.
I'm so glad to see Roger Fry's work in chronological order here. From it one learns that a) he was a talented artist who could work in many styles, and b) that he was a painter in search of a style of his own, without ever arriving at one. I love some of the work displayed in this post, but some are routine efforts. Count Harry Kessler quotes and paraphrases the outspoken designer Eric Gill (of the fonts Gill Sans and Perpetua), whose sculptures were promoted by Fry: "Timidity, the fear of somehow or somewhere violating good aesthetic customs, is the fundamental flaw of English artists. 'There is no abandon.'" I'm not sure Kessler agreed but he dutifully recorded Gill's opinion. (Fry and Kessler went to school together and were lifelong friends.)
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comment on the selection, Brooks. And for the interesting quote ✨
Interesting to see that Aberdeen Art Gallery has The Beakfast Table, but like Paul Nash's Wood on the Downs it's not on display. The Lane in Rolling Countryside exactly captures the intense fresh spring green we have at the moment.
Thank you for commenting, Linda. And I hope you enjoy the exhibition in Edinburgh. I would really love to visit.
This has brightened up my evening. He was eclectic in his painting style and these are beautiful examples. I have been reading your previous article on his childhood and formative years too.
Thank you, Lucy. I'm so pleased Fry's collection brought you some joy.
what a beautiful beautiful paintings !
Thank you, Sandra! I'm so pleased you enjoyed them.
This is a luscious collection! Love the Edward Carpenter (🔥) and Nina Hammett portraits, then the bright boats give such a different energy and appeal.
Thank you, Kate. I’m glad you enjoyed the selection 🧡
Some of these are strikingly modern, Victoria, especially the Farm Pond
Thank you for commenting. Yes, and such an interesting progression in styles.
An absolute WOW!
Thank you, Mary!! :)
Love these!
Thank you, Rachel. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the selection!
Really incredible selection. I love the still life’s. All are masterful
Thank you, Danny. I'm so pleased you enjoyed them!
Wonderful to see these. Thanks so much.
You're very welcome. Thank you for commenting, Karen :)
How could Vanessa Bell help but fall in love with him when he used color like that, e.g., "The Farm Pond, Charleston."
Wonderful collection.
Thank you, Maud. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the selection :)
What an incredible talent. I have always loved his work when I’ve seen it in all the Bloomsbury books. Am going to read the Spaulding bio. Thank you Victoria.
Thank you for commenting, Kristin. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the selection. And I'd highly recommend Frances Spalding's wonderful biography!