Our first visit of the new year takes us to Chichester and Pallant House Gallery, which is home to one of the most important collections of Modern British art in the UK. The current exhibition – 'Dora Carrington: Beyond Bloomsbury' – sheds light on this highly talented yet elusive artist, who defied social norms with her radical, bohemian lifestyle.

This is the first major retrospective of works by Carrington (1893-1932) in almost 30 years. Despite her contribution to Modern British art, she was not well known during her lifetime and rarely exhibited in public. Many of her paintings were held in private collections and only came to light in the 1970s. 

Carrington was well known for her turbulent affairs and her ménage à trois with the openly gay writer Lytton Strachey, who was in love with Carrington's husband. Sadly, her private life often obscured her own, impressive achievements. After her tragic suicide in 1932, just weeks after Strachey's death, she faded into obscurity.

Sir John Rothenstein, who directed the Tate Gallery for almost three decades, called Carrington 'the most neglected serious painter of her time'. But perhaps that is about to change. 

For more information about the exhibition, follow this link:
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/dora-carrington/

For a review of Dora Carrington's impressive body of work, click on this link: 
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/carrington-dora/

A more in-depth review by Studio International can be found here:
https://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/dora-carrington-beyond-bloomsbury-review-pallant-house-gallery-chichester

The two other temporary exhibitions at Pallant House are also well worth a visit:

'Maggi Hambling: Nightingale Night' features 14 new paintings by the renowned painter and sculptor, who is known for her energetic stye, vivid portraits and controversial public works.

'Pattern: Rhythm and Repetition' celebrates the ways in which artists over the ages have used pattern to tell stories and connect across cultures.

Planned programme for the day:

9.00 (TBC): Depart Hop Oast
10.15: Welcome tea/coffee on arrival at Pallant House
10.45: Illustrated lecture on Dora Carrington
11.30: Time to visit the exhibition at your own pace
12.45: Finger food buffet in the Lecture Room
After lunch: Free to explore other exhibitions at the Gallery
16.30: Coach departs Chichester
17.30: Arrive Hop Oast

Cost: £55.50 pp incl. coach hire & gratuity, entry to Gallery, illustrated lecture, tea/coffee on arrival + finger buffet.