Caversham Heights Society

ON the bitterly cold night of January 17, Caversham Heights Society met once again.

Unfortunately, the speaker had succumbed to covid, so John Brearley agreed to talk to us, this time about “The Pre-Raphaelite artists of the mid-19 century”.

In spite of the short notice, John did not disappoint as he spoke with his usual enthusiasm and clarity, demonstrating a deep knowledge of his subject and inspiring his audience to listen with rapt attention.

The Pre-Raphaelite movement started in 1848, just before the Great Exhibition of 1851, following the domination of Sir Joshua Reynolds, a leading portrait artist of the time who believed that painters should look to classical and Renaissance art as their model.

However, a growing rebellion due to the altered social circumstances gave the sense that art could contribute to the struggle against oppression.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters who sought a return to the abundant detail, intense colours and complex compositions of the Italian artists,

The Brotherhood did not like the poses and elegant compositions which they felt had been a corrupting influence on the teaching of art, wishing to emphasise the idea that artists can determine their own ideas and methods of depiction.

This movement lasted into the Twenties and it can even be seen that Picasso was influenced by them into the 20th century.

During the Pre-Raphaelite period there were many pictures depicting religious themes and the natural world.

One such artist was William Holman Hunt who demonstrated the attention to detail, vivid colour and elaborate symbolism in his famous picture The Light of the World, which he painted in 1853.

John told us that Hunt had lived in Sonning towards the end of his life. It was in this cottage that the actual lamp carried by Christ in the picture was found under the stairs and later auctioned, realising £50,000.

John then proceeded to show us a variety of pictures of the time by William Blake, John Everitt Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John William Waterhouse and, of course, Hunt. Each picture was then briefly explained to help our observation and appreciation.

Those present felt privileged to have listened to such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker.

The next lecture will be held at Caversham Heights Methodist Church Hall on February 7 at 8pm when Dr Carrie Zhang will tell us about the many traditions connected with the celebrations of the Chinese New Year.

For more information, email contact@cavershamheights.org

Christine Bradbury