I visited the Leamington Gallery on Tuesday 30 May, 2006 to find that there had been a re-hang, and that a number of interesting pictures from the permanent collection, previously in store are on show. I give details below of pictures of particular interest.

Winter Scene with Sheep by Thomas Sidney Cooper RA (1803-1902)

This picture by Thomas “Cow” Cooper is an unusually subtle example of his work. The snow on the ground, and the threatening the sky create a harmonious grey entity, unusual for this artist, and, needless to say the sheep are wonderfully done. One of the most accomplished pictures I have seen by him.

I am very pleased to say that two pictures by the marine artist Henry Moore RA (1831-1895) are on display. They are:

A Sunny Morning at Southwold.

This seascape displays the vivid blues for which Moore was so well known in Britain and also in France, where he had a considerable reputation in his lifetime.

Rough Weather on the Coast of Cumberland.

This picture, which is undated, is one of the finest examples of Moore’s art. The breakers crashing on to the beach seem almost alive and moving such is the skill with which the work was painted. The darkening sky is also powerfully painted, and on the left of the picture, in combination with the rough seas, creates a sombre, menacing impression. A great picture by a great marine artist.

Winter’s White Silence (1923), by Lucy Kemp-Welsh.

This marvellous picture remains on display, and is now hung more prominently than before. The coats of the horses, with the light shining on them are splendidly done, and could only have been painted by an artist of great talent, allied to a love, understanding, and anatomical knowledge of horses. Amusingly a young member of staff told me that the picture is such a favourite the gallery would provoke a minor riot by not showing it, hence its permanent display.

The Red Hat by Sir George Clausen RA.

This delightful small portrait of a young girl, dating from 1907, was on show prior to this re-hang. It is such a sensitive, charming picture, that I feel it merits another mention.