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Gwen will talk about the first ‘crisis of brilliance’ when a remarkable group of Slade-trained painters at the outset of their careers visited Dorset to paint. They included William Orpen, Augustus John and associates like Charles Conder, together with their distinguished tutors, Philip Wilson Steer and Henry Tonks. They came to the county through their friendship with Dorset born painter and Slade contemporary John Everett, who sat at the centre of this fascinating circle, and introduced them to the landscape of Wessex. This exciting period in British art saw landscape painting at the forefront, as these artists were adopting new approaches, mainly painting in the open air.

An independent art historian Gwen is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and Royal Historical Society. With a masters degree in British art from the Courtauld Institute, Gwen has been curator of art at the National Maritime Museum and collections manager of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. She has lectured extensively to many organisations and curated numerous exhibitions. Gwen was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of her services to museums and now specialises in the work of British artists of the South and South West.

Image: Landing of the Danes in Dorset by Arthur Meade 1852-1942. Private Collection .