Dickens and the Artists
Tuesday, 19 June 2012 - Sunday, 28 October 2012
Watts Gallery, Guildford
Dickens and the Artists at the Watts Gallery explores the significant connection between Charles Dickens and visual art. Dickens grew out of a tradition where illustration formed a significant part of both serial and book. He admired artists, and had long and close friendships with several, including Clarkson Stanfield, Daniel Maclise, Frank Stone and William Powell Frith. The influence of Dickens was widespread and many artists chose to depict scenes from his novels as well as being influenced by the subjects and characterization in his novels. The exhibition will be accompanied by the catalogue Dickens and the Artists.
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A remarkably visual writer, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) emerged from a tradition where illustrations formed a significant part of both serial and book publishing. At the centenary of his birth, "Dickens and the Artists" explores the novelist's artistic opinions and connections. His tastes are manifest in his novels, his magazine Household Words and his journalism. Dickens engaged with the art of the Old Masters, commenting forthrightly on the latest changes at the National Gallery, and recording his visits to museums during his tours of Europe. As well as exploring Dickens' own views, the distinguished contributors reveal his influence on Victorian artists. He had long and close friendships with some of the leading artists of his time, including Clarkson Stanfield, Daniel Maclise, Frank Stone and William Powell Frith. These and other artists depicted scenes from his novels or drew inspiration from his subjects and characterizations that continue to influence our image of Dickensian England today.
