A series of free lunchtime talks will take place at the Guildhall in Bath to complement the Victoria Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Clifford and Rosemary Ellis: Making Art Matter.
Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) was a graphic artist and illustrator who is perhaps best known for his time as head of the pioneering Bath Academy of Art, which was based at Corsham Court in Wiltshire from 1946.
Clifford and his wife Rosemary (1910-1998) worked as partners designing iconic posters for London Transport and Shell, and book jackets for the Collins New Naturalist series.
Their imagery reveals an overwhelming interest in, and love of, the British countryside and the creatures that inhabit it.
Signing their work simply ‘C&RE’, they also shared a love of fresh, bright colour and bold design.
The three talks will explore the couple’s lives as artists and educators, the role they played in developing the Bath School of Art and Design, and the colourful advertising posters they produced for Shell.
Councillor Paul Myers, cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “As well as these wonderful talks, local residents also have the opportunity to see the amazing exhibition of Clifford and Rosemary Ellis’s work at the Victoria Art Gallery, which is free for Discovery Card holders.”
The Spirit of Advertising
26th September 2018 – Nicky Balfour Penny, Shell Heritage Art Collection Manager
Rediscovering the Heritage of Bath School of Art and Design
3rd October 2018 – Laura Brown, Bath Spa University, Art and Design Collection
Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, Artists and Educators
10th October 2018 – Jon Benington, Victoria Art Gallery Manager
All talks run from 1.10pm to 1.45pm. Booking is not required – just turn up on the day.