Marlborough artists, husband and wife, Simon Brett and Juliet Wood are holding their first ever joint exhibition at The White Horse Gallery from March 3rd to April 2nd. Entitled ‘From Drawing’ the exhibition brings together their recent work, their very different skills, but also their complementary approaches.
As a wood engraver, Simon’s drawings are meticulous and tight as well as investigative. He has published many books on the subject of wood engraving and has made over a thousand engravings for limited edition prints, bookplates and book illustrations. There are two series of his recent work on display at The White Horse. The first depicts the Roman emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, based on different sculptures of his head and revealing the aging process. Simon commented, “The changing head appears almost like time-lapse shots and shows the different ways you can render a head in wood engraving. Not many wood engravings are based on figures. It is more common to see landscapes and animals.”
Simon’s second series of engravings, based on his drawings of people who have been influential in his life, started with his great aunt and Bloomsbury artist – Dorothy Brett – but, ironically, her print still awaits completion.
Juliet’s paintings, oil pastels and drawings all capture a particular movement and moment. Juliet’s exhibits include: drawings of musicians performing in the recitals ‘Brilliant Young Musicians in St Peter’s’; a large painting of people in The Brunel Centre, Swindon, on Valentine’s Day 2020; several set on the beach in Cromer during last July’s heatwave; and people on the London underground. Juliet said, “I have a dance background and love responding to movement. Cromer Pier has been a favourite subject of mine for years and years.”
The vivid colours of Juliet’s work seem all the more vibrant when set against the contrasting black of Simon’s wood engravings. Simon commented, “There is a shout of joy in all this colour.”
Juliet told Marlborough.news, “We have enjoyed getting this exhibition together and we hope the people who come to see it will share in our enjoyment.”
Entrance to the exhibition is free and it is open daily from 9-5.30pm (Sunday 11-4). Most of the exhibits are for sale. To read more about Simon Brett and Juliet Wood – click here to read a 2019 Marlborough.news interview with them.
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