Annual Art Exhibition 2021

Usually when I am preparing for the winter newsletter I write something about the year's exhibition. Not this time, as there was no 2020 art exhibition. Also we are still experiencing unsettled times as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on our lives and all parts of our society. Throughout these uncertain times The Friends have tried to keep our community of members connected to the park, and I am delighted to let you know that we are planning the 2021 art exhibition, at the same time knowing that it will be a little different if there are government guidelines to work within. If this is the case, it could affect private views, browsers and the mini-market. What I do know for certain is that the orangery walls will be hung again with wonderful art and three-dimensional sculptures on the plinths and stage. To the artists who contribute to our exhibition each year and new artists who are thinking of participating, I feel that they have been creatively inspired during this time, and are eagerly anticipating submitting their works.

Let us plan to go forward as we have for the past 38 years. Friends who are artists and artists who become Friends are invited to exhibit two framed works to hang on the walls and three-dimensional objects such as ceramics, glassware and small sculptures.  Details regarding exact guidelines for three-dimensional works, unframed portfolio works and the mini-market will be advised when registration forms are sent out.

Friends interested in exhibiting in the art exhibition need to register by completing the order form and pay the £10 entry fee.

Further information about The Friends of Holland Park Art Exhibition is available from me, Gordon French, 19 Kensington Court Place London W8 5BJ; tel:  020 7937 7222; e-mail: gordon.l.french@gmail.com

Art Exhibition Timetable

Friday 19 March    Final date for completed exhibit details forms to be received to all catalogue listing.

Friday 9 April        Artists deliver artworks to the orangery, Holland Park, 8.30 -11am.

All artists will be required sign the catalogue to certify that all details shown are correct.

Friday 9 April        Hanging and judging, 11am-6.00pm

Sat. 10- Sun.18 April      Exhibition open to the public, 10.30-6.00 pm.  Entry free of charge

Sunday 18 April    Artists and buyers collect works, 6.30-7.30pm

Monday 19 April    Artists and buyers collect works, 9-11am

Artists are particularly asked not to collect their works before 6pm on Sunday 18 April

Gordon French

[Winter 2020]

The Art Exhibition that Wasn't

What an unusual and unsettled period we have all been experiencing over the past few months. For the first time in 37 years there was no Friends of Holland Park Art Exhibition: the Orangery was empty.

After all the pre-administration was completed, to have to cancel was very disappointing. I know we all look forward to the event, and the wonderful weather would have drawn a lot of visitors and some great sales. Well, next year. Thank you to all the artists for donating your registration fee, it was very much appreciated.

We also felt sorry for this year's Feature Artist, Annie Leach, who had been working hard to complete her exhibition pieces. Hold them for next year Annie! To all the artists who were working on their artworks, it will be a bigger and better exhibition next year.

Creatively this has been a very good period for my family, and I hope you have been able to use the lockdown to work on new or existing projects. During the year in London I paint, but on my holidays, one in summer and one at Christmas, I usually write. Throughout the lockdown I have had the opportunity to complete a script I have been working on for two years.

Sandra, Alex and I live near Holland Park and have been walking through it almost daily. The park has been such an asset to our neighbourhood during this period; we are indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful green space.

Let us all continue to take care and stay safe. I look forward to working on the 2021 exhibition with you all.

Dates for your diary: the 2021 exhibition will be held 10th to 18th April, and all the usual artist details will be available in the autumn newsletter.

Gordon French

Photos by Alessia

[Summer 2020]

Cancelled

Spring, which heralds The Friends of Holland Park Annual Art Exhibition, is almost here, and I am pleased to announce that Ilchester Estates will again sponsor this year's art exhibition. Not only is their sponsorship a beautiful example and continuation of the Holland House and Ilchester arrangement of the past, it is their financial contribution that helps us promote the exhibition to a wider audience. It has been working: more people are finding out about the exhibition, then visiting, and buying. The painting of Holland House by Lady Ilchester will be on display again, as it was last year.

Also, I am delighted to announce that this year's Feature Artist is Annie Leach. Annie has been taking cuttings and drawing flowers since childhood. She trained at the Ealing School of Art, where she obtained a National Diploma in Design, before moving into the fashion industry as an assistant designer and pattern cutter, later becoming a primary-school art teacher. Since giving up teaching, Annie paints every day, taking inspiration from the seasons as well as the local parks and front gardens she passes every day. Annie has exhibited with the Friends for many years, and her beautiful contemporary, rather than classical, botanical paintings will bring a spectacular splash of colour to the exhibition.

Could all artists please ensure that their exhibition details forms are with me by Friday, 27 March. Also, remember to indicate which Private View you would like to attend: Friday night or Saturday morning, otherwise you will not be sent tickets. We hope you will support The Friends of Holland Park by visiting the exhibition during the nine days in the Orangery, and telling your family, friends and neighbours to come along.

Gordon French

Art Exhibition Timetable

Friday, 27 March    Final date for completed artist exhibit details forms to be received to allow catalogue listing

Friday, 17 April    Artists deliver artworks to the Orangery, Holland Park, 8.30-11am

All artists will be required to sign the catalogue to certify that all details shown are correct

Friday, 17 April    Hanging and judging, 11am-6pm

Friday, 17 April    Private View, 7.30-9.30pm

Saturday, 18 April    Private View, 10.30am-12.30pm

(Exhibiting artists are entitled to one artist ticket and four complimentary guest tickets. To receive, artists will need to state the day, and number of tickets required.)

Saturday, 18 April    Exhibition open to the public, 1-6pm. Entry free of charge

Sunday, 19 to Sunday, 26 April    Exhibition open to the public 10.30am-6pm. Entry free of charge

Sunday, 26 April    Artists and buyers collect works, 6-7pm

Monday, 27 April    Artists and buyers collect works, 9-11am

Artists are particularly asked not to collect their works before 6pm on SUNDAY, 26 April

[Spring 2020]