Turner’s House Trust continues its season of ‘living art’ with an open studio exhibition by Sussex artist, Katie Sollohub, currently artist in residence at Turner’s House, the Twickenham country villa that Britain’s renowned and much-loved artist JMW Turner designed for his own use in 1813. The exhibition – ‘A Guest in Turner’s House’ – features ‘work in progress’, new paintings and drawings, completed during the first half of Katie’s residency this year.
The exhibition runs for a week* from Saturday 20th September. On Sunday 28 September aspiring and practising artists are invited to join a one-day Drawing Workshop with Katie at Turner’s House, where this experienced tutor will encourage participants to focus on the architectural character of Turner’s design and their own sense of the house’s atmosphere. Entry to the exhibition is free; there is a £65 fee for the Drawing Workshop (booking required to k.sollohub@ntlworld.com).
As Turner’s House current artist in residence, Katie Sollohub is supported by a grant from Arts Council England and has spent many days in Turner’s former home. “Along with the historical association with Turner, the atmospheric but temporary state of the House’s disrepair has been moving and inspirational,” said Katie. “The works in the exhibition reflect the complex emotions generated by my experience of being in a house designed and lived in by this great and important artist. At the Drawing Workshop I am eager to share this experience with other artists, both new and experienced.”
Katie’s work is bold and colourful and large-scale charcoal drawings are an important part of her practice. An experienced tutor (adults and children of all ages) of 17 years, she has exhibited widely across the South of England and has recently had two of her drawings shortlisted for the prestigious Jerwood Drawing Prize, the largest and longest-running annual open exhibition for drawing in the UK.
“By attracting another high-calibre artist we are seeing this historic property being returned to life, even prior to its restoration,” commented Catherine Parry-Wingfield, chairman of Turner’s House Trust. “I am sure that Turner would approve of his former country home becoming an inspiration to contemporary artists. It inspires us to accelerate our fundraising activity to ensure we secure it for future generations.”
*The Open Studio exhibition is open from 11am to 4pm daily from Saturday 20th September to Saturday 27th September at Turner’s House, Sandycombe Lodge, Sandycoombe Road, Twickenham TW1 2LR. For more information and to support the restoration appeal visit www.turnerintwickenham.org.uk