Andrew Lambirth began a recent article in The Spectator with the following remarks: "One of the Review copies available on request pleasures of the critic's life is to review exhibitions of work by artists who have been forgotten or overlooked, and to recommend them for general attention. I know some arts editors are only interested in fashionable or mainstream artists, but I'm happy to say that The Spectator's editorial policy is altogether more wide-ranging." For over a decade he has used his weekly column to cast light, not just on individual artists and their achievements, but on a diverse collection of subjects, all related to the visual arts but not often the preserve of the standard art critic. Church patronage, art schools, public catalogues of paintings and films about artists are highlighted in this book, but he has also written about his personal experience curating exhibitions, judging competitions and visiting studios. Unlike many critics, Lambirth actually enjoys the company of those he is writing about.
Perhaps for this reason his interviews with artists are extraordinarily vivid and informative and seem to tease out of the often reluctant interviewee statements about their work that prove illuminating not just for the reader but for the creator him (or her) self. This selection of Lambirth's Spectator articles aims to present a fair summary of his views. Never hesitant to nail his colours to the mast, Lambirth cogently argues his corner, whether it's in defence of the little-known or unremembered, or attacking what he sees as mediocrity or the timidity of curators. Although his special area of interest is 20th century British art, he brings the same intenseness of gaze and critical analysis to whatever artist, period or movement he is confronted with. Sometimes curious combinations of exhibitions result: the 18th century watercolourist Italian Carlo Labruzzi is found alongside Paula Rego and Prunella Clough; the School of Paris painter Henri Hayden rubs shoulders with Rose Wylie and Ffiona Lewis. The aim is not to win eyes and minds, but to open them.
We are indeed fortunate in this country to have such a huge variety of art available for our delectation, and Lambirth has always hoped that his writing will encourage and inform the reader enough to venture away from the path of the blockbuster exhibition into the highways and byways of our many smaller public and private galleries. If he can hand on the enthusiasm and confidence that enabled his schoolboy self to push open the doors of Cork Street galleries to view the mysteries within, he will feel he is fulfilling his primary duty as a critic.
- ISBN10 190650931X
- ISBN13 9781906509316
- Publish Date 28 February 2013 (first published 26 February 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Unicorn Publishing Group
- Format eBook (EPUB)
- Pages 256
- Language English