BY NICHOLAS ENGERT “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”Coco Chanel I remember a time when men and women dressed well. There was a sense of decorum and manners – almost a sense of duty – that lead people to make an effort to look smart in public. This was not about money although of course money helped. … Continue reading The Girl at Hamburg Airport
BY THE EDITOR Andrew Hood, not to be confused with Robin Hood, is a contemporary British sculptor known for his distinctive work that often merges fine art with elements of nature and the human experience. His sculptures explore themes such as movement, form, and the interplay between different materials. Hood has gained a reputation for his innovative techniques and varied use of materials, including metal, … Continue reading The Hood in the Wood
CITY GRUMP The world famous work of art by John Constable, The Hay Wain, is to be rehung in a new exhibition at our National Gallery. Dr Mary McMahon, a curator there, explains what’s going on . She declares: “We want to talk about everything that has not been included in this painting. The British landscape was a contested space. We have the Corn Laws, … Continue reading Great Art: Contested and Reconstituted
BY ROGER WATSON Now that I am retired and have endless leisure time I can do crazy things like visit art galleries in the morning. Here in Kingston upon Hull we are certainly not spoilt for choice. We have a single gallery in town. Therefore, one visit goes a long way. The Ferens Art Gallery is in the old town of Hull, and we have … Continue reading Desperately Seeking Gays in Hull
BY ALEXIA JAMES In 1975, David Shepherd wrote his autobiography ‘The Man Who Loves Giants’. Even though he was only 44, he had already achieved more than most could have in three lifetimes. Right up until his death in 2017, he continued to paint a huge variety of subjects; founded the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (which has, to date, raised over £10 million); renovated and … Continue reading David Shepherd – Artist and Conservationist
VICAR Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that I find You well and healthy. As I look outside it seems more November than May. I hope that You are enjoying life and that any troubles can be put aside this Sunday. This week I would like to give thanks for the artists. I read something beautiful this week written by an artist that … Continue reading A Prayer for the Artists
BY ANWAR JABER When the morning’s happiness outpoured, and the foggy shadow secluded, at that moment I knew that the sun had a pure splendid face and the light wings went to laugh with their full days. O great woman, when the mask of darkness which is perching on liberation’s chest falls, I will see all the towers, eventual smiles, and the glorious rain chants … Continue reading Light Wings
BY SAM WHITE The inherent leftiness of the arts and music scene is relentlessly stifling, the creative industries having become intractably connected with so-called progressive politics. Those in the industry articulate, of course, a belief in artistic freedom, but it’s a false one, as the strict confines of the like-minded collective invisibly demarcate actual artistic practice. There’s a rejection of capitalism, while working in ways … Continue reading Farts & Music
BY ANASTASIA CHOO Ask anyone what the word “tapestry” means and the chances are that they’ll talk about old and grandiose designs that are metres long and wide, which the aristocracy often used to keep out the draft. Nowadays the need for tapestries to keep out draughts in a large hall has disappeared but the weaving of tapestries did not die in medieval times and … Continue reading Interview with a Master Weaver
Don, Just a quick one mate. As you know, I’m not one for complaining or sucking my teeth but I have a couple of tiny problems. I’m good with lions but I really haven’t spent much time with bears. I’m not entirely sure that I have room for even a tame one in my caravan, but you know best. I’m really grateful for the work … Continue reading A Builder’s Lament
BY VALENTYNA HOLLOWAY They came in the night to our cities, our towns, they crossed through the countryside like warriors with shovels and crossbows. Chopping, shooting, digging at the roots of our foundation unable to accept reason or a peaceful resolution of conclusion, even though it was the majorities decision. (Forgive them don’t understand the light the truth, it burns) They bite the hand that … Continue reading Shining Light
For one entire month in the summer of 2014, felt artist Lucy Sparrow took over a rundown corner shop in Bethnal Green, East London, and filled it with more than 4000 hand-stitched felt replicas of everyday items that you’d ordinarily find in a local shop. Even the ice lollies in the freezer were felt lollies. The show was a huge success and visitors from all … Continue reading Lucy Sparrow: Shoplifting
