Evelyn De Morgan: The Gold Drawings

Charming exhibition at Leighton House of drawings in gold by Evelyn De Morgan.

I am fond of Evelyn de Morgan’s work although it’s subject matter can be a bit strange and I own a small sketch by her, but I had never come across her rather unique idea of drawing in gold.

The show explained her technique well and how she bought ‘cakes of gold’ which she ground down to create gold paint and a type of  crayon which she’d invented. It also explained how, informed by Renaissance mystic and alchemist, Paracelsus, she felt gold was a colour of spiritual salvation.

The works were very delicate but at first looked a little dull but when you looked closely you could see the gold shimmering on the surface and giving an other-worldly effect.

Closes 27 August 2023

Review

Evening Standard


 

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