Gwen Whicker (1900-1966) - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil Flower Piece

Description

This vibrant still life by Gwen Whicker (1900-1966) depicts an abundant arrangement of summer flowers spilling generously from a fishbowl vase. The composition showcases a rich variety of blooms, including hydrangeas, daisies, and trailing varieties in shades of coral, pink, yellow, and white. The work is well presented in a handsome painted wood frame and is signed to the lower right. On board.

Condition

Minor abrasion to the lower edge of the composition near centre. Small chips and scuffs to the frame. The overall condition of the artwork is very good.

Size

52.5 x 67.5cm (20.7" x 26.6")
Framed Size: 75.5 x 90cm (29.7" x 35.4")

Artist Biography

Gwen Whicker (née Cross) was born in Bristol and studied art, against her parents’ wishes at the Bristol Municipal School of Art. She worked her way through studies by making medical drawings for Bristol University. A very skilful draughtswoman, she was always drawn to nature, portraiture, animals and birds, and these she depicted through the medium of printmaking and etching as well as oil painting. After achieving her Diploma in Fine Art and a teaching qualification she taught at the Bristol Art School, where she met her future husband Fred Whicker. They were married in 1931 and lived in Clifton from that time when Fred was working as a printer until after WWII. During this period they both achieved their greatest acclaim, given impetus by the formation of the New Bristol Arts Club (1933), of which Gwen served as President. Their first exhibition was held at the Royal West of England Academy, where Gwen had shown work previously. The 1930s were in fact to be their ‘golden period’ when academic painting of their sort was still appreciated. The war broke that success. The couple moved to Falmouth, Cornwall shortly after the war and lived on Woodlane. They exhibited at the RCPS and associated themselves with the St Ives Society of Artists. But the modernists were beginning to hold sway, and their work was overlooked. They continued to paint still life and domestic scenes, and Gwen to make silver jewellery for sale in shops. Gwen served as a Governor of the Falmouth Art School, and they both quietly continued to work at their paintings, exhibiting and selling when possible, and mainly with STISA.