I do love the colours in Evelyn Dunbar's work. Both 'Winter Garden' and 'Early Spring' evoke the feelings of each time of year. I have also added Woods in Winter to my wish list. It does look like a lovely read. You suggest such great books, Deborah.
Thank you very much, Gillian. There are such subtle differences between the two paintings and yet the seasonal shift is clear. I do hope you like "The Woods in Winter, I found it so moving.
This is such a beautiful painting. And how lovely to read this and learn more about her. I walked over Hampstead Heath this morning in that grey wintry light and thought how beautiful it looked. I’ve had a difficult relationship with winter over the years but as I’ve gotten older, I have really learned to love its quiet beauty and starkness. And I always find the winter solstice quite magical.
Thank you for another great reading recommendation. My local library doesn’t seem to have it so I’m going to buy a copy. I’m in hibernation mode so it sounds perfect. I
I think you have become my go to person for new art and books, and I’m so grateful for your beautiful writing on both. X
I have just received the book, and fascinated to read that she grew up in Kentish Town where I went to school and spent a large part of my childhood. I know the road well that she lived in.
Both The Children of Green Knowe and The Dark is Rising are regular Christmas re-reads for me. Also The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge, and although it is science fiction and Christmas doesn't feature, Planet of Exile by Ursula le Guin. A supreme wintry read, set at the onset of the 15 year long winter on a distant planet.
They are both such magical books and I never tire of them. "The Dean's Watch" is another favourite, such an uplifting and humane book. I have always wanted to read Ursula Le Guin, but have never known where to start. Thank you very much for the recommendation, I will now go to look it up!
This is lovely, Deborah, and thanks for the mention. I'm afraid I am not writing a biography of Lucy Boston though, just an essay to be published in Slightly Foxed magazine next year (and here soon afterwards). Here's a taster I wrote at the start of this year:
Not a problem at all, Deborah - I am just glad you thought of me & it reminded me to take my Lucy Boston piece out from behind the paywall in your honour!
Let me know when you’re thinking of going Deborah & perhaps I could meet you there! Diana Boston is such a brilliant guide, I would love to go back while she’s still there.
Thank you very much. It is an exhibition I wish I could see again! This painting was chosen by Eleanor Bron and there were others chosen by Jane Gardam and Penelope Lively. It was fascinating to see their choices but also to be introduced to artists I had never seen before.
Thank you for introducing me to Evelyn Dunbar! I had heard of her but had not seen her art! Of course, our winters over here in Canada do not look one bit like the lovely winter garden in E. Dunbar's work! My garden is under some snow right now, and will probably be under much more before the end of winter here!
Thank you for sharing these lovely paintings and your book suggestions! So very interesting!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment and I am glad you enjoyed her work. It is years since we have had snow here and I do miss it. It is such a magical sight, but we are always woefully unprepared here and everything grinds to a halt!
When a fresh snow falls, it is magical! I am so glad that we are well prepared here for the snow ! We take it all for granted! But when we see other countries that do not have the means to clear the snow and de-ice the roads, and the cars go slip-sliding every which way...we realize how lucky we are and are very thankful to know how to manoeuvre our cars through it all !
Evocative post, Deborah, thank you for sharing and introducing me to Evelyn Dunbar. I used to think gardens in winter were melancholic. In recent years I got into gardening. Now I know how much life is lying dormant under the bare branches and soil.
I was out in the garden yesterday, snipping and tidying, and it is such a hopeful and calming activity at this time of year. I am so pleased you liked Evelyn Dunbar's work and thank you very much for reading the post.
Lovely post. Funnily enough I am currently re-reading The Dark is Rising after a number of years. It is the perfect book for this time of year. It has been many, many years since I’ve read The Children of Green Knowe but you have inspired me to read it again. Thank you.
Both are perfect for these last days of December, and I never tire of them. Hopefully you can fit in " Green Knowe" before Christmas too! Thank you very much for reading my post.
Thank you for making me pause to reconsider the lead up to 21 December. Ordinarily it is a counting down of days, wanting to hibernate type time, but ‘the quality of light that only exists in the days leading to the winter solstice’, is so true. I will look at it from a new softer perspective now.
Thank you very much, Fionnula. Today was one of those special days. The clouds finally lifted and I decided to down tools and go for a walk to savour it. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of the days before Christmas. I am so pleased you liked it.
May I just say that your post was such a balm to me, a comforting escape from the current chaos that has ocerrun the US. Your post was part of the weekly Substack summary and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. I've made note of several book titles that will hopefully provide even more distraction from current events.
Thank you very much for such a lovely message, it has brought me great cheer. We all need something to bring comfort, especially in the current times, and I am glad you enjoyed the post. My next one will be a bookish one too and I hope you find more books to enjoy and to bring much needed distraction. Wishing you a very happy Christmas .
I loved listening to you read this piece and discovering Evelyn Dunbar’s paintings. Such skillful, joyful works of love. Makes me nostalgic, in this age of photography, for the quiet time to work and paint in one’s loved garden.
It was a different age. What was clear from the paintings ( and her drawings of plants) is how much she loved and enjoyed gardening. It is remarkably evocative and atmospheric painting and would love to see it again. Sadly it is not in show at the Tate at the moment, and is in store, but as soon as it returns, I shall go to see it again.
Thank you for another fascinating post Deborah. I love these paintings of Evelyn Dunbar which are so evocative. My favourite might be the painting of her mother Frances resting on the bench. I think we've all felt like that after a day working in the garden.
Woods in Winter sounds like another recommendation to add to my wish list
Her portrait of her mother is so tender, isn’t it? It was a lovely discovery. I love these paintings and she really should be better known. “The Woods in Winter” is a marvellous book and perfect for the new year. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much for restacking. Looking out at the inky sky this morning, it looks very turbulent this morning, but very beautiful. I do love this time of year.
I do love the colours in Evelyn Dunbar's work. Both 'Winter Garden' and 'Early Spring' evoke the feelings of each time of year. I have also added Woods in Winter to my wish list. It does look like a lovely read. You suggest such great books, Deborah.
Thank you very much, Gillian. There are such subtle differences between the two paintings and yet the seasonal shift is clear. I do hope you like "The Woods in Winter, I found it so moving.
This is such a beautiful painting. And how lovely to read this and learn more about her. I walked over Hampstead Heath this morning in that grey wintry light and thought how beautiful it looked. I’ve had a difficult relationship with winter over the years but as I’ve gotten older, I have really learned to love its quiet beauty and starkness. And I always find the winter solstice quite magical.
Thank you for another great reading recommendation. My local library doesn’t seem to have it so I’m going to buy a copy. I’m in hibernation mode so it sounds perfect. I
I think you have become my go to person for new art and books, and I’m so grateful for your beautiful writing on both. X
Thank you so much, Cally. It is such a beautiful book and it should be as well known as Cold Comfort Farm, which is another favourite and such a hoot.
I love these last weeks of the year and always want to slow down December to make more of It. I imagine the heath looks magical at the moment.
I have just received the book, and fascinated to read that she grew up in Kentish Town where I went to school and spent a large part of my childhood. I know the road well that she lived in.
Both The Children of Green Knowe and The Dark is Rising are regular Christmas re-reads for me. Also The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge, and although it is science fiction and Christmas doesn't feature, Planet of Exile by Ursula le Guin. A supreme wintry read, set at the onset of the 15 year long winter on a distant planet.
They are both such magical books and I never tire of them. "The Dean's Watch" is another favourite, such an uplifting and humane book. I have always wanted to read Ursula Le Guin, but have never known where to start. Thank you very much for the recommendation, I will now go to look it up!
This is lovely, Deborah, and thanks for the mention. I'm afraid I am not writing a biography of Lucy Boston though, just an essay to be published in Slightly Foxed magazine next year (and here soon afterwards). Here's a taster I wrote at the start of this year:
https://akennedysmith.substack.com/p/memories-in-a-house
I am sorry Ann, I will correct my piece. I am not sure how I thought that and do apologise.
Not a problem at all, Deborah - I am just glad you thought of me & it reminded me to take my Lucy Boston piece out from behind the paywall in your honour!
Thank you for being so understanding, I have amended it and know everyone will love your piece, as I did. I really must visit again soon.
Let me know when you’re thinking of going Deborah & perhaps I could meet you there! Diana Boston is such a brilliant guide, I would love to go back while she’s still there.
What a lovely interesting read - that exhibition sounds wonderful! And how lovely to see that garden documented in all seasons.
Thank you very much. It is an exhibition I wish I could see again! This painting was chosen by Eleanor Bron and there were others chosen by Jane Gardam and Penelope Lively. It was fascinating to see their choices but also to be introduced to artists I had never seen before.
And so interesting to think about the connections!
I think you can still get hold of the catalogue!
I’m definitely looking into that, thanks!
Good luck!
Thank you for introducing me to Evelyn Dunbar! I had heard of her but had not seen her art! Of course, our winters over here in Canada do not look one bit like the lovely winter garden in E. Dunbar's work! My garden is under some snow right now, and will probably be under much more before the end of winter here!
Thank you for sharing these lovely paintings and your book suggestions! So very interesting!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment and I am glad you enjoyed her work. It is years since we have had snow here and I do miss it. It is such a magical sight, but we are always woefully unprepared here and everything grinds to a halt!
When a fresh snow falls, it is magical! I am so glad that we are well prepared here for the snow ! We take it all for granted! But when we see other countries that do not have the means to clear the snow and de-ice the roads, and the cars go slip-sliding every which way...we realize how lucky we are and are very thankful to know how to manoeuvre our cars through it all !
A few centimetres of snow here and the country grinds to a halt and there is a national crisis!
Evocative post, Deborah, thank you for sharing and introducing me to Evelyn Dunbar. I used to think gardens in winter were melancholic. In recent years I got into gardening. Now I know how much life is lying dormant under the bare branches and soil.
I was out in the garden yesterday, snipping and tidying, and it is such a hopeful and calming activity at this time of year. I am so pleased you liked Evelyn Dunbar's work and thank you very much for reading the post.
Thank you for introducing me to the work of Evelyn Dunbar. She has captured the beauty of winter perfectly in 'Winter Garden'. Really lovely work.
Isn't it a beautiful painting? She perfectly captures the muted colours of this time of year. Thank you very much for reading my post.
Lovely post. Funnily enough I am currently re-reading The Dark is Rising after a number of years. It is the perfect book for this time of year. It has been many, many years since I’ve read The Children of Green Knowe but you have inspired me to read it again. Thank you.
Both are perfect for these last days of December, and I never tire of them. Hopefully you can fit in " Green Knowe" before Christmas too! Thank you very much for reading my post.
Thanks for introducing me to new artwork and new books! I hope you are having a blessed Advent season.
I am so pleased you liked it as and hope you enjoy the books. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Thank you for making me pause to reconsider the lead up to 21 December. Ordinarily it is a counting down of days, wanting to hibernate type time, but ‘the quality of light that only exists in the days leading to the winter solstice’, is so true. I will look at it from a new softer perspective now.
Thank you very much, Fionnula. Today was one of those special days. The clouds finally lifted and I decided to down tools and go for a walk to savour it. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of the days before Christmas. I am so pleased you liked it.
May I just say that your post was such a balm to me, a comforting escape from the current chaos that has ocerrun the US. Your post was part of the weekly Substack summary and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. I've made note of several book titles that will hopefully provide even more distraction from current events.
Thank you very much for such a lovely message, it has brought me great cheer. We all need something to bring comfort, especially in the current times, and I am glad you enjoyed the post. My next one will be a bookish one too and I hope you find more books to enjoy and to bring much needed distraction. Wishing you a very happy Christmas .
Such a fine article, and a great introduction to Evelyn Dunbar and her work. Thank you, Deborah.
Thank you very much, Mary. Your message is a lovely way to begin the day.
I loved listening to you read this piece and discovering Evelyn Dunbar’s paintings. Such skillful, joyful works of love. Makes me nostalgic, in this age of photography, for the quiet time to work and paint in one’s loved garden.
It was a different age. What was clear from the paintings ( and her drawings of plants) is how much she loved and enjoyed gardening. It is remarkably evocative and atmospheric painting and would love to see it again. Sadly it is not in show at the Tate at the moment, and is in store, but as soon as it returns, I shall go to see it again.
Thank you for another fascinating post Deborah. I love these paintings of Evelyn Dunbar which are so evocative. My favourite might be the painting of her mother Frances resting on the bench. I think we've all felt like that after a day working in the garden.
Woods in Winter sounds like another recommendation to add to my wish list
Her portrait of her mother is so tender, isn’t it? It was a lovely discovery. I love these paintings and she really should be better known. “The Woods in Winter” is a marvellous book and perfect for the new year. Thank you very much.
What a beautiful painting, and yes, she so perfectly captures the winter light ✨
Thank you very much for restacking. Looking out at the inky sky this morning, it looks very turbulent this morning, but very beautiful. I do love this time of year.
There is certainly a storm roaring outside here 💨