Monet and Boudin introduce us to the world of the seaside,
but within a generation, Philip Wilson Steer, our finest Impressionist after
Turner, showed what he could do. The first British seaside resort was,
surprisingly, Scarborough, nearly 300 years ago. The second was Brighton, and
Folkestone followed soon after.
We see these holidays through the eyes of Victorian painters, in particular
Frith, who painted Ramsgate Sands, and a woman artist who painted the crowded
beach at Folkestone. But in the 20th century we find Picasso, Stanley Spencer,
Sickert and the Newlyn School.
In addition, there are splendid railway posters from between the wars: the
period of Art Deco. But it is perhaps the lesser known artists who remind us
most vividly of happy holidays when we were young.
Nicholas has been Chairman of the Leisure and Tourism
Committee of Go Folkestone since 2004. He is also publisher of the magazine
Folkestone Arts.
Any queries to
valerie.brasington@btinternet or tel 01303 245385
