Cathy's Art Diary

Very small display at the National Portrait Gallery of three self-portraits by Henry Tonks. I know I am stretching a point to cover this as it’s just 3 pictures in a case but as Tonks taught so many of the 20th century artists I love then I thought it deserved a mention! It is thought that these pictures may be studies for his self-portrait in the Tate. There was a beautiful head study which did remind me of a Stanley Spencer picture, who he taught. Also two full length picture of him sitting in a church very obviously looking in a mirror and studying his pose.

Interesting talk at the Charleston festival bringing together Pat Barker talking about her novel “Toby’s Room” and Hugh and Mirabel Cecil talking about their biography of Rex Whistler as both books featured art teacher and surgeon, Henry Tonks. I had read the Pat Barker book and really enjoyed it so it was very interesting to hear her talk about the creative process and reading a section. Hugh Cecil gave a nice outline of the life of Rex Whistler. The talks were then followed by a conversation about Tonks and his influence. The questions after were fascinating as members of the audience remembered Whistler and could give first hand memories of him. A magical event.