Material from the West Dean College Archives, together with items from the Whitechapel Gallery, National Galleries of Scotland and Jersey Heritage Trust will shed new light on the contribution of women to these important exhibitions.
The material on loan from the West Dean College Archives originates in the life and work of College founder, Edward James, who was closely involved in the 1936 exhibition and was an active supporter of numerous Surrealist artists. Notably, Phantoms of Surrealism will feature James’s introduction and partial translation of Dalí’s iconic ‘diving-suit’ lecture, ‘Authentic Paranoic Phantoms’, which was delivered on 1st July 1936. This is the first time the document will be shown in a public exhibition (see separate release).
Other fascinating archival items from the West Dean Collection have been loaned to the Whitechapel Gallery. As well as promotional material and press cuttings relating to the 1936 show, it includes a letter from Roland Penrose to Edward James (dated 26 March 1937) detailing James’s support of the Artist International Association (AIA). James loaned two Dalí works to an exhibition in 1937, organised to raise funds for the left wing Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War, furthering AIA’s intent for 'unity of artists for peace, democracy, and cultural development'.
As Sarah Hughes, Curatorial Assistant, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, noted: “We’re really pleased that material from the West Dean College Archives is part of the Phantoms of Surrealism exhibition. The disruption of the canonical history of Surrealism, presented through the critical role played by women, highlights the need to revisit pivotal moments in 20th century art history, such as the International Surrealist Exhibition. That we are able to support this revised narrative is exciting for us as holders of the Edward James Archive.”
She continues: “Figures like Dali are often foregrounded in exhibitions, yet in this instance, the material is presented in support of a female-centred show. This levelling up seems to me like an ideal situation for us to present James’s translation of Dali’s lecture for the first time.”
Nayia Yiakoumaki, Curator: Archive Galleries and Head of Curatorial Studies at Whitechapel Gallery, commented: "Phantoms of Surrealism focuses on the unknown work of British female artists that were pivotal to the surrealist movement in Britain. Amongst the artworks on display, we were delighted when colleagues from Edward James Archives kindly agreed to lend us the original press cuttings documenting the London International Surrealist exhibition in 1936. Through this loan we are able to present the handwritten notes by Edward James, with his introduction for Salvador Dalí's lecture during the iconic exhibition at the New Burlington Galleries."
Two members of staff from West Dean College, Dr. David Stent (Fine Art Subject Leader) and George Charman (Diploma in Art and Contemporary Craft / Fine Art Tutor), will be delivering papers at a conference at University of the Creative Arts (UCA), organised alongside the Whitechapel Gallery exhibition.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was founded by Edward James in 1971 with the aim of supporting future generations of artists and makers. Today, the College teaches courses ranging from contemporary fine art to furniture making and conservation. The opportunities for interdisciplinary study maintain the legacy of surrealist design, and together with the College’s Collection and Archive, offers unique opportunity for study, from short courses to MFA degrees. West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has an international reputation for excellence and is a full partner of the University of Sussex. For conservation, craft and fine art study opportunities see www.westdean.ac.uk.
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