Portrait of Leo Walmsley by Ethel Walker
Pannett Art Gallery, Whitby
This interesting portrait of the author Leo Walmsley gives us a glimpse into the lives of a group of artists living in Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast during the 1920s and 30s. Ethel Walker (1861 – 1951) was one of the founding members of the Fylingdales Group in 1925, along with Leo Walmsley’s father, artist Ulric Walmsley.
By the time this portrait was painted in 1930, Walker’s own reputation was well established. In 1900, she had become the first female member of the New English Art Club. Her works were exhibited internationally, as well as in London at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of Arts. The year of this painting, Walker also represented Britain in the Venice Biennale. One of the most well-known artists of her time, she was made a Dame in 1943.
Walker would have met Leo Walmsley while they were both based in Robin Hood’s Bay, with a close connection through Ulric. Leo was attempting to establish a literary career at this time, having published semi-autobiographical works based on his experiences during World War One. The height of his fame was to come after 1932, after the publication of the ‘Bramblewick’ series of books set within the fishing community in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Walker had a distinctive style
Throughout her career, Walker painted a large number of portraits, often of female subjects. Many decisions go into how to create a portrait, from what the sitter is wearing and where they are looking, to choices over lighting, brushstroke, colour and tone.
Walker was able to demonstrate the mood, personality and character of her subjects through her Impressionist-like brush strokes and attention to light and body language.
Look closely at how she used different colours and tones for Walmsley’s skin tone and the shadows around his neck. Can you see the white canvas showing through?
This painting of Walmsley is 50cm (h) by 40cm (w).
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
What do you think this portrait captures about the subject?
What impression do we get of Leo Walmsley from his clothing?
Why isn’t he looking directly at us? What adjectives would you use to describe his expression?
Why do you think Walker has left some details within the painting unpainted, so that the canvas can be seen through?
Do you like the painting?
Why do you think Walker is little remembered as an artist today?
Why do you think Walmsley has been forgotten too?
In the Classroom
Roleplay
In pairs, take on the roles of the artist and the sitter. Roleplay the moment when they are preparing and setting up for painting the portrait. What instructions might the artist give? What conversation might they have?
How would you act the two roles – which person do you think was feeling most confident? Would either of them have been nervous?
Hands on History
You can see more works by the artists of the Fylingdales Group at Pannett Art Gallery.
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