Penlee House Gallery & Museum in Penzance is currently hosting a significant Lamorna Birch Exhibition, “Lamorna Birch: A Painter Laureate,” offering a deep dive into the life and work of one of Cornwall’s most cherished artists. This new exhibition, which is making waves as a must-see event, features approximately 25 Lamorna Birch paintings, all drawn from the esteemed Austin Wormleighton collection. The exhibition title directly echoes Wormleighton’s seminal 1995 biography on Birch, “A Painter Laureate: Lamorna Birch and his circle,” the second edition of which has been updated and published posthumously, adding a layer of tribute to the Lamorna Birch Exhibition narrative.
The Lamorna Birch Exhibition: A Celebration of Art and Dedication
The “Lamorna Birch: A Painter Laureate” exhibition is a curated journey through the artist’s celebrated career, showcasing works that have been meticulously preserved by Austin Wormleighton. Wormleighton, a founding member and long-time President of The Lamorna Society, dedicated much of his life to documenting and promoting Birch’s artistic contributions. The Lamorna Birch Exhibition‘s focus on his personal collection highlights a profound connection and appreciation for Birch’s distinctive vision. This carefully assembled display is designed to celebrate the updated release of Wormleighton’s biography, a testament to the enduring fascination with Birch’s art and the community he helped foster. The exhibition is a significant news item for art enthusiasts in the region and beyond, a truly exceptional Lamorna Birch Exhibition.
Samuel John Lamorna Birch: The Self-Taught Visionary
Born Samuel John Birch in Egremont, Cheshire, in 1869, the artist’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. Leaving school at the age of twelve to work in a textile manufacturer, Birch was nonetheless driven by an innate passion for art. He was largely self-taught, though he did undertake a brief period of study at the Académie Colarossi in Paris in 1895. His early artistic endeavors saw him exhibiting his work in his teens. A pivotal moment came when, at the suggestion of fellow artist Stanhope Forbes, he adopted the soubriquet “Lamorna” in 1895, distinguishing himself from another artist of the same name and firmly linking himself to the Cornish locale that would become his lifelong inspiration. This early period already marked him as a rising talent, and his subsequent work would be celebrated in many Cornish art exhibitions.
The Heart of the Lamorna Art Colony
Birch first visited West Cornwall in the late 1880s, drawn by the established artistic presence of the Newlyn School. However, he soon found his spiritual and artistic home in the secluded beauty of Lamorna Valley, settling there permanently in 1892. He became a central figure, a veritable father figure, to the burgeoning Lamorna art colony. His presence fostered a vibrant community, attracting and influencing fellow artists such as Harold and Laura Knight, Alfred Munnings, and Stanley Gardiner. Unlike many of his contemporaries who depicted people, Birch’s primary focus was the landscape, capturing the essence of the Cornish coast, its valleys, and streams with remarkable fidelity. He was known to be a passionate fisherman, a pastime that further deepened his connection to the natural world he so skillfully rendered on canvas, as seen in many of the Lamorna Birch paintings on display.
An Enduring Artistic Legacy
Samuel John Lamorna Birch’s prolific output is staggering; it’s estimated he produced around 20,000 paintings during his lifetime. His dedication to his craft saw him exhibit extensively, including over 200 works at the prestigious Royal Academy, where he was elected an Associate (ARA) in 1924 and a full Academician (RA) in 1934. His paintings are renowned for their vivid portrayal of light and atmosphere, often focusing on the dynamic interplay of water, rock, and foliage. This focus on structure and light, combined with his deep observation of nature, cemented his reputation as one of the most recognised and popular artists of his era. His work continues to be featured in major collections and exhibitions, ensuring his legacy is kept alive, particularly through events like the current Lamorna Birch Exhibition.
The Wormleighton Connection: A Lifelong Devotion
Austin Wormleighton’s contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Lamorna Birch’s work cannot be overstated. His biography, “A Painter Laureate: Lamorna Birch and his circle,” first published in 1995, remains a definitive work on the artist. The exhibition not only celebrates Birch’s art but also honors Wormleighton’s dedication, particularly with the release of the updated, posthumously published second edition of his book. The collection of approximately 25 paintings featured in the exhibition, all from Wormleighton’s personal collection, offers an intimate glimpse into Birch’s artistic journey through the eyes of a devoted admirer and scholar. This event is considered a top attraction for art lovers this season, a highlight among Cornish art exhibitions.
This exhibition at Penlee House Gallery & Museum provides a compelling opportunity to experience the celebrated landscapes of Lamorna Birch, brought to life through the passionate curation of the late Austin Wormleighton’s collection. It stands as a significant piece of art news, celebrating a cornerstone of Cornish artistic heritage and a remarkable Lamorna Birch Exhibition.
