Visitors to the Hove Museum and Art Gallery might easily miss this small, unassuming portrait of a young lady reading a book. It is a simple yet intriguing composition that evokes a sense of serenity and calm.
Harold Knight, much like his wife Dame Laura Knight, frequently painted women. But whereas Laura became well known for painting ballet dancers and circus performers, Harold preferred to capture more cerebral and peaceful moments. Both artists preferred naturally posed, candid paintings which captured a snapshot of time, a technique which was perfected by Edgar Degas in the late nineteenth century.
The careers of the two artists are intrinsically entwined. They met as young students at the Nottingham School of Art, but it was only after graduation that they became romantically involved and later married. Their careers developed together and although it was Harold who initially showed the most potential at art school, his career was hit when his principles led him to be a conscientious objector during the First World War. This stance alienated him from many of his colleagues and put a huge strain on his physical and mental health.
The simple decoration in the room allows our eye the time and space to take in the profile of the reader without distraction. But then the artist draws our eye away in multiple directions by means of his incredible skill in capturing texture. Our eyes follow the folds of the reader’s dress along the delicate embroidered yellow details on her arm up towards the two pieces of decorative ceramics that top the shelves. But it is the bookshelves themselves, crammed with books of all shapes and sizes, that will warm the heart of any literary enthusiasts. The treasures contained on those shelves will transfix any reader to such a degree that despite a chair being present they can’t even think of sitting down.
The Reader can be seen in the Pocock Tearoom at the Hove Museum & Art Gallery, 19 New Church Road, Brighton and Hove BN3 4AB which is open each day except Wednesday
Why you should see this painting:
This painting reminds us that like art, literature has the power to capture our imagination; to transfix us; to toy with our emotions and to transport us to an alternate reality away from stresses of everyday life.
First published in Sussex Life January 2017
Michael Escolme 