My favorite post so far, I think. But maybe I think that every time I read one. You do such a terrific job of bringing these artists and their paintings to life for us. Thank you! Her paintings make me feel the atmosphere around her as she painted.
Thank you very much, Carol, I am so glad. I find this one more difficult than most in part because it was so personal. That trip was very important to me and revisiting that sketchbook made me long to make another. I was taken back instantly by looking through its pages. What is clear from her work is that each one was painted through love and that shines through to those who love them in turn.
Another excellent, informative, wonderfully heartfelt post, Deborah , thanks very much. I loved seeing your sketchbook, and the Norman Ackroyd picture at the end. But all lovely!
Thank you very much, Jane. That sketchbook is much treasured. I love the work of Norman Ackroyd. He came to do a talk here a few years ago and I could have listened to him all day.
Utterly spellbinding. I felt swept away by wind, waves and wildflowers. Your reflections, like Winifred’s brushstrokes, are tender, vivid, and full of quiet power. Thank you for this.
Thank you for this Deborah, you’ve given me so much to ponder...
How much we loved The Edge of the World film which we saw recently.
And now you’ve mentioned St Kilda I must play my CD of Hirta Songs. I feel such an affinity for a place I’m never likely to visit.
Why didn’t I really know of Winifred’s exquisite paintings? I love them.
Why oh why did I send all my Alice TE books to the charity shop?
Which notebook shall I write down that poem and why don’t I have a volume of Kathleen Raine’s poetry on my shelf?
Mention of Gavin Maxwell...reminds me of my student nursing roommate who was good friends with Terry Nutkins who lived with GM for a few years. Am I dreaming that back in 1972 there was a Dolphinarium along Oxford Street and Terry gave her free tickets?
And how I loved your adventure, they’re the best sort, the unexpected ones
It is such a strange, haunting film and prefigures his later films, which I love too, though I was disturbed by The Red Shoes and haven't been able to watch it since!
I wish I could visit but certainly with things at the moment it is not possible, though perhaps one day...
There are so many books that have gone their way to Oxfam, and go hunting for, and then I realise!
Kathleen Raine's autobiographies (there are 3 but I think you can get them in one) are fascinating.
I had forgotten about his connection with Terry Nutkins. Raine's relationship was so painful as Maxwell hid his homosexuailty. They broke acrimoneously when she was caring for his otter Mij, who she lost, and he was killed as a consequence. It was all very sad. I shall have to try to find out about the Dolphinarium but it sounds true! It is hard to imagine such things existing like that now.
I would love such an adventure again - one day I shall!
Another lovely post, with lots of interesting things I didn’t know about Winifred and Kathleen and their love of the Hebrides. Thank you so much Deborah.
seem like every time I read one of your posts, i am participating in a jailbreak from my to some other universe I shall likely never actually inhabit but am uplifted simply to learn some of the details of its existence. thank you for this work. I am very grateful.
Such beautiful paintings! Thank you Deborah. But now I have yet more books to read. I know about Alice Thomas Ellis but haven’t read her books. I believe she’s the originator of the rather harsh maxim: ‘Men love women, women love children, children love hamsters.’
I watched The Edge of the World earlier this year and had a conversation about it on Substack but can’t now remember who with.. A haunting film.
I am sorry to make the pile bigger! I think she did say that, but I suspect it was very tongue in cheek.
Isn't it an amazing film? do look up the documentary if you haven't seen it, it is very touching and lovely to see John Laurie laugh! I was so struck by the faces of the islanders who took part and also why I included the Norman Ackroyd etching which conveys so well thses wild places.
How lovely to return to Winifred Nicholson again (and the gorgeous blue gate!) I love the paintings with the shells, which I’d never seen before. Kathleen Raine is also a long-standing favourite - I remember saving up to buy one of her poetry books when I was a teenager.
I haven’t read any Alice Ellis Thomas, so have just ordered a secondhand copy of the inn book on your recommendation! Many thanks for another delightful post - I always look forward to them.
I had never seen the shell paintings either and loved them. Have you read Kathleen Raine's autobiographies? They are marvellous and how I first came to her.
I hope you enjoy Alice Thomas Ellis. She is so sharp about human nature and writes beautifully. They don't outstay their welcome either - I do like short novels!
Oh how rich this is..thank you for the depth and thoughtfulness of your writing. There is so much here, both in your article and to go on with. I have a list and quotes in my notebook. (I read this from a wet winter day in New Zealand, to let you know of your geographical reach). This has left me thinking of the needful spaciousness of time away, of solitude or shared solitude in a creative life. I love your sketch book too, the possibilities here and the beauty of it as is. I look forward to reading more.
What a joyful message to receive. Thank you, Sue. I envy you you cool, wet days, it is very hot and sultry here and not at all to my taste! The trip I describe has such an impact upon me and found both the creative and physical space of the landscape opened up new possibilities. I would love to have the opportunity to do it again. I love how these two women were able to work alongside each other in such sympathy.
I hope you will find this space for yourself again soon…creativity, solitude, landscape and cooler days and nights. Somehow it is there in the quiet of materials, in pencil and paper, paint and brush. Thank you for your lovely reply. In being here on Substack I feel I’ve moved to a wonderfull neighbourhood. Thank you for being so welcoming. And yes, these two women had a great gift in their friendship.
Thank you for the mention and kind words, Deborah. Sadly, cottages as described here are few and far between these days here on Skye, mainly having been renovated or “improved”. Although it’s still possible to find lanes thick with wild flowers in the hedgerows and driftwood gates leading to stormy beaches if you know where to look.
You are very welcome, I love your Substack and wanted to share it. I suspected that that would be the case. I visited Skye as a child and it had such a profound effect on me. I have been thinking of you x
I love the sound of your quiet escape all those years ago. I’m always daring myself to do something like that, but never do. To live completely free with nothing to have to do but get on with just living sounds wonderful, and a way to unlock more creativity I think? I’m going to ponder that and see if I can do it. I’ve not been to Scotland or the beautiful Isles up there, and gosh I wasn’t aware of her beautiful paintings from her last trip. Its has made me think of Tove Jansson and her island escape. I love Bonnard and seeing these wonderful paintings makes me think that they are equal to his work. X
Do it! I would do it again in a heartbeat, but it is just not possible now. It was such an enriching experience. I must read Tove Jansson again, her books are magical and just the thing to get out of a reading rut - I am struggling to find as something new to read.
I think her work does stand up to Bonnard, though I love him too. I especially love these late works. Thank you for reading it and hope is well with you x
If you’re a fan of Kazuo Ishiguro’s style, I’ve just finished The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard and it reminded me of Ishiguro’s work. I thought it was very good. I need to read more Tove Jansson, and might just start on those next. I love The Summer Book and always want to read it this time of year. I hope all is well with you, Deborah. X
I don't know of it, but have noted it down as I am sure I will like it. The Summer Book is next. It is such a magical book. Did you see the exhibition at Dulwich a few years ago? She was quite remarkable. X
I didnt get to see it, and wish I had. I came to her very very late (like most things I think!) so I still have lots of catching up to do. I loved the film ‘Tove’ too and it’s definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen it. X
I have Surfacing left to read, and thank you for reminding me, as it is just what I would like to read next! I loved Findings and Sightlines, both are wonderful.
Winifred Nicholson and Kathleen Raine off grid – what a beguiling portrait! Thank you for this delightful essay, Deborah. And for letting us see that blue gate!
I love the thought of these two intrepid women travelling together and looking after each other. Neither married again after losing their great loves and yet this derp friendship endured. Thank you, Jeffrey.
Again, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your post (thank you). I have long wished to visit any of the Scottish islands…maybe one day…but I have walked past the coastguards cottages many times when holidaying in Norfolk - what a wonderful spot and what a special time it must have been for you.
I would love to go to the places she paints too...THe cottage I went to was the cream middle one. It has changed a great deal sonce I went, but it is still beautiful. It is now a holiday home and quite swish!
My favorite post so far, I think. But maybe I think that every time I read one. You do such a terrific job of bringing these artists and their paintings to life for us. Thank you! Her paintings make me feel the atmosphere around her as she painted.
Thank you very much, Carol, I am so glad. I find this one more difficult than most in part because it was so personal. That trip was very important to me and revisiting that sketchbook made me long to make another. I was taken back instantly by looking through its pages. What is clear from her work is that each one was painted through love and that shines through to those who love them in turn.
Another excellent, informative, wonderfully heartfelt post, Deborah , thanks very much. I loved seeing your sketchbook, and the Norman Ackroyd picture at the end. But all lovely!
Thank you very much, Jane. That sketchbook is much treasured. I love the work of Norman Ackroyd. He came to do a talk here a few years ago and I could have listened to him all day.
Utterly spellbinding. I felt swept away by wind, waves and wildflowers. Your reflections, like Winifred’s brushstrokes, are tender, vivid, and full of quiet power. Thank you for this.
Thank you, Jon, your comment brought great cheer this morning. I am so glad you liked it.
Thank you for this Deborah, you’ve given me so much to ponder...
How much we loved The Edge of the World film which we saw recently.
And now you’ve mentioned St Kilda I must play my CD of Hirta Songs. I feel such an affinity for a place I’m never likely to visit.
Why didn’t I really know of Winifred’s exquisite paintings? I love them.
Why oh why did I send all my Alice TE books to the charity shop?
Which notebook shall I write down that poem and why don’t I have a volume of Kathleen Raine’s poetry on my shelf?
Mention of Gavin Maxwell...reminds me of my student nursing roommate who was good friends with Terry Nutkins who lived with GM for a few years. Am I dreaming that back in 1972 there was a Dolphinarium along Oxford Street and Terry gave her free tickets?
And how I loved your adventure, they’re the best sort, the unexpected ones
It is such a strange, haunting film and prefigures his later films, which I love too, though I was disturbed by The Red Shoes and haven't been able to watch it since!
I wish I could visit but certainly with things at the moment it is not possible, though perhaps one day...
There are so many books that have gone their way to Oxfam, and go hunting for, and then I realise!
Kathleen Raine's autobiographies (there are 3 but I think you can get them in one) are fascinating.
I had forgotten about his connection with Terry Nutkins. Raine's relationship was so painful as Maxwell hid his homosexuailty. They broke acrimoneously when she was caring for his otter Mij, who she lost, and he was killed as a consequence. It was all very sad. I shall have to try to find out about the Dolphinarium but it sounds true! It is hard to imagine such things existing like that now.
I would love such an adventure again - one day I shall!
Another lovely post, with lots of interesting things I didn’t know about Winifred and Kathleen and their love of the Hebrides. Thank you so much Deborah.
Thank you very much, Penny, I am delighted you liked it.
seem like every time I read one of your posts, i am participating in a jailbreak from my to some other universe I shall likely never actually inhabit but am uplifted simply to learn some of the details of its existence. thank you for this work. I am very grateful.
This made my heart sing - thank you, it was such a lovely message to receive this morning.
Such beautiful paintings! Thank you Deborah. But now I have yet more books to read. I know about Alice Thomas Ellis but haven’t read her books. I believe she’s the originator of the rather harsh maxim: ‘Men love women, women love children, children love hamsters.’
I watched The Edge of the World earlier this year and had a conversation about it on Substack but can’t now remember who with.. A haunting film.
I am sorry to make the pile bigger! I think she did say that, but I suspect it was very tongue in cheek.
Isn't it an amazing film? do look up the documentary if you haven't seen it, it is very touching and lovely to see John Laurie laugh! I was so struck by the faces of the islanders who took part and also why I included the Norman Ackroyd etching which conveys so well thses wild places.
How lovely to return to Winifred Nicholson again (and the gorgeous blue gate!) I love the paintings with the shells, which I’d never seen before. Kathleen Raine is also a long-standing favourite - I remember saving up to buy one of her poetry books when I was a teenager.
I haven’t read any Alice Ellis Thomas, so have just ordered a secondhand copy of the inn book on your recommendation! Many thanks for another delightful post - I always look forward to them.
I had never seen the shell paintings either and loved them. Have you read Kathleen Raine's autobiographies? They are marvellous and how I first came to her.
I hope you enjoy Alice Thomas Ellis. She is so sharp about human nature and writes beautifully. They don't outstay their welcome either - I do like short novels!
Ooh no I haven’t read the autobiographies - more books to add to the list! Thank you x
Oh how rich this is..thank you for the depth and thoughtfulness of your writing. There is so much here, both in your article and to go on with. I have a list and quotes in my notebook. (I read this from a wet winter day in New Zealand, to let you know of your geographical reach). This has left me thinking of the needful spaciousness of time away, of solitude or shared solitude in a creative life. I love your sketch book too, the possibilities here and the beauty of it as is. I look forward to reading more.
What a joyful message to receive. Thank you, Sue. I envy you you cool, wet days, it is very hot and sultry here and not at all to my taste! The trip I describe has such an impact upon me and found both the creative and physical space of the landscape opened up new possibilities. I would love to have the opportunity to do it again. I love how these two women were able to work alongside each other in such sympathy.
I hope you will find this space for yourself again soon…creativity, solitude, landscape and cooler days and nights. Somehow it is there in the quiet of materials, in pencil and paper, paint and brush. Thank you for your lovely reply. In being here on Substack I feel I’ve moved to a wonderfull neighbourhood. Thank you for being so welcoming. And yes, these two women had a great gift in their friendship.
It is such a wonderful platform and I am greatly enjoyed being here. It is a very supportive and enriching community.
Thank you so much for this generous post - so much here to explore! Very keen to listen to the St Kilda recordings. Lovely stuff.
Thank you, it was a lovely one to explore and had to stop myself going down various rabbit holes! The St Kilda recordings are beautiful.
Thank you for the mention and kind words, Deborah. Sadly, cottages as described here are few and far between these days here on Skye, mainly having been renovated or “improved”. Although it’s still possible to find lanes thick with wild flowers in the hedgerows and driftwood gates leading to stormy beaches if you know where to look.
You are very welcome, I love your Substack and wanted to share it. I suspected that that would be the case. I visited Skye as a child and it had such a profound effect on me. I have been thinking of you x
Thank you so much. I need to find you a driftwood gate leading to the sea now..
Thank you! X
I love the sound of your quiet escape all those years ago. I’m always daring myself to do something like that, but never do. To live completely free with nothing to have to do but get on with just living sounds wonderful, and a way to unlock more creativity I think? I’m going to ponder that and see if I can do it. I’ve not been to Scotland or the beautiful Isles up there, and gosh I wasn’t aware of her beautiful paintings from her last trip. Its has made me think of Tove Jansson and her island escape. I love Bonnard and seeing these wonderful paintings makes me think that they are equal to his work. X
Do it! I would do it again in a heartbeat, but it is just not possible now. It was such an enriching experience. I must read Tove Jansson again, her books are magical and just the thing to get out of a reading rut - I am struggling to find as something new to read.
I think her work does stand up to Bonnard, though I love him too. I especially love these late works. Thank you for reading it and hope is well with you x
If you’re a fan of Kazuo Ishiguro’s style, I’ve just finished The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard and it reminded me of Ishiguro’s work. I thought it was very good. I need to read more Tove Jansson, and might just start on those next. I love The Summer Book and always want to read it this time of year. I hope all is well with you, Deborah. X
I don't know of it, but have noted it down as I am sure I will like it. The Summer Book is next. It is such a magical book. Did you see the exhibition at Dulwich a few years ago? She was quite remarkable. X
I didnt get to see it, and wish I had. I came to her very very late (like most things I think!) so I still have lots of catching up to do. I loved the film ‘Tove’ too and it’s definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen it. X
She was so talented. I didn't know of the film and am now off to look it up, thank you! X
How lovely this post was! Have you read Findings by Kathleen Jamie? Actually anything by her is always worth while.
I have Surfacing left to read, and thank you for reminding me, as it is just what I would like to read next! I loved Findings and Sightlines, both are wonderful.
Winifred Nicholson and Kathleen Raine off grid – what a beguiling portrait! Thank you for this delightful essay, Deborah. And for letting us see that blue gate!
I love the thought of these two intrepid women travelling together and looking after each other. Neither married again after losing their great loves and yet this derp friendship endured. Thank you, Jeffrey.
Fascinating, and such beautiful paintings, thank you
Thank you, Mark.
Again, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your post (thank you). I have long wished to visit any of the Scottish islands…maybe one day…but I have walked past the coastguards cottages many times when holidaying in Norfolk - what a wonderful spot and what a special time it must have been for you.
I would love to go to the places she paints too...THe cottage I went to was the cream middle one. It has changed a great deal sonce I went, but it is still beautiful. It is now a holiday home and quite swish!