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| Jennypeg Researcher Quote | Reply | | Langley Mill Artist posted on: 1/6/2006 3:20:11 PM Mr. G. W. Bissill HEANOR ARTIST’S WORK DUBBED “INDECENT” Panels for Secondary School Rejected Ripley & Heanor News 1 Nov 1929 Mr G. W. Bissill the miner artist, who is a native of Langley Mill and was a student at Heanor Secondary School, is very indignant at the action of Mr. Feek (Feck?)(Director of Education for the County) and Mr. Widdows (County architect), who have rejected four panels which he was commissioned by Mr R. Stoddard to paint for the school, on the ground that some of his figures are “indecent,” that the pictures “are not fit to be exhibited in a children’s school” and are not fit for the “uplift of education.” Mr Bissill explained to a “Nottingham Journal” correspondent how he undertook the work at the request of Mr. Stoddard, headmaster of the school, who wished to mark the occasion of his retirement after some thirty years there by making a representing Music, Art, Literature, and Science, and he commissioned Mr. Bissill to draw them for him. Mr. Bissill showed the correspondent copies of the pictures. The particular one representing Music, to which the term “indecent” was applied, portrays the creator (a man wearing a blouse and long tightly-fitting breeches), interpreters (men and women with harps), and two dancers clothed in a dancing garment to signify rhythm. Mr. Feek and Mr. Widdows have taken exception to the two dancers, whom they consider “indecent.” The picture entitled “Art” portrays the Three Graces linked together, a sculptor, painter, and architect. Science shows two men and two women holding symbolical objects representing fire, Air, Earth, and Water, while Literature similarly shows men and women with books and masks representing Literature and Drama. All the figures are normal and all are clothed. Some of the women have transparent dresses. Mr. Bissill said the exception had also been taken to the feet of his subjects, which he had left bare. He thought that these and one or two other minor “faults” found by Mr. Feek and Mr. Widdows were not worth bothering about as he was trying to portray his subject rather than a mere portrait. After the rejection of the pictures Mr. Stoddard asked if he might have expert advice on the pictures, but Mt Feek and Mr. Widdows refused. Mr. Bissill is at a loss to understand the attitude of these authorities as not only has he had praiseworthy exhibitions of his work in London, but specimens have been obtained for the Victoria and Albert Museum and private collections of well-known titled people. The Prime Minister also has some of his pictures in his home. THE HEANOR ART CONTROVERSY Eminent art critic to give opinion 22nd Nov 1929 HEANOR PAINTINGS SENSATION London art expert’s opinion 13th Dec 1929 HEANOR PICTURE SENSATION Panels on view 20th Dec 1929 Jenny |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/7/2006 12:20:51 AM Jenny I have been searching for some alleged scandal involving Mr Stoddard in the 20's, and I think you've found it. Copies of all the items would be gratefully received, as they will add to my work on the History of the School. As always - many, many thanks! Robert |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/7/2006 11:59:44 AM Of course, the question is, if the paintings didn't get put in the school, what did happen to them? |
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Jennypeg
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/10/2006 10:07:23 AM I don't know yet, but if you look on the net : www.louisekosman.com/artists/artist the mining painting look very good. 1925 19th June R/H Miner Artist Notts man’s adventure near Paris George Bissill, the artist and ex-Notts, miner, whose mining drawing caused a sensation at the Redfern Galleries this spring, is now working in Paris, where he bids fair to repeat his London success. Collectors who have seen his work are delighted with it, and many galleries have offered him their hospitality for a show this winter. Mr. Bissill is now at work on a series of French scenes. His greatest difficulty is with the language. He was sketching a picnic party in the country near Paris, when he attracted their attention. They were not flattered at his sketch, which was more conspicuous for character, than beauty. They mentioned this in no uncertain terms, and the whole party were setting upon him, when Arnold Haskell, the critic, who spoke French, saved the situation. An offer of beer soon calmed them, and Bissill continued his sketch in peace. Jenny |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/11/2006 12:53:48 AM George Bissill lived from 1896-1973 - can anyone locate him in the 1901 census? I definitely feel an addition to the main website coming on here!!!! |
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suegill
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/11/2006 1:18:14 PM I've found him. George Bissill 1869 Head Railway Brakesman born Langley Mill Mary A Bissill Wife 1870 Fairford Glous George W Bissill Son 1897 Fairford Glous Lizzie M Bissill 1876 Sister Domestic Servant Fairford Glous. Living at 31 Elnor Street. Sue |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/12/2006 3:39:51 AM Sue - thanks for that. With his dad being a railway worker, George being born in Gloucestershire is not that surprising. However, the stuff I've read about him on the web talks about him being the son of a miner. Does anyone know what George Senior's occupation was at the time of the 1891 census? |
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Peter Chamberlain
Researcher Quote | Reply | This message was updated on 1/12/2006 8:28:46 AM by Peter Chamberlain |
Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/12/2006 8:21:13 AM 1891 George Bissell Head 65 Bn Old Dalby Leics Railway Pointsman. George Bissell son 22 Bn Eastwood Platelayer Living at Langley Mill. |
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Jennypeg
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/13/2006 11:59:00 AM Eastwood & Kimberley Advertiser 25th Jun 1926 LANGLEY MILL MINER ARTIST ONE-MAN EXHBITION AT REDFERN GALLERY The immediate district will undoubtedly receive with pleasure, and a certain amount of pride, the news that an exhibition of original works of Mr. George W. Bissill, the Langley Mill coal miner artist, opened on Wednesday last at the Redfern Gallery, London, and is to be continued each day until July 14th, between the hours of 10 to 6, and 10 to 1 on Saturdays. Commenting upon the works of Bissill, a famous London art critic says, “The present show is particularly interesting and tells a great deal in regards to the development of the artist. His earlier works are to be seen side by side with his latest creations, and one is amazed at the progress the artist has made. His early mining drawings deserved the adjective fine, his latest works be called magnificent”. “ The first twelve pictures are water colours, most if them painted recently. They show great freedom and are in sharp contrast to the artists earlier, more impersonal work in the traditional manner, whilst three drawings treated with an etching technique are subtle in composition. Among the oils there are three mining subjects, akin to Michael Angelo’s slaves in feeling magnificent and almost over-powering. “ The next group are entirely French in feeling. One is made to feel the bustle of the cosmopolitan ‘Rotoude’ in the in the picture of that name, in oils, which is perhaps Bissell’s finest composition. La Grue’ is startling in its directness, and the woman’s face unforgettable. Perhaps the most remarkable of all is the Crucifixion with its magnificent design, the wasted figure with sombre background, a wonderfully creative, work that brings one back to the great primitives in its emotion, though it is entirely modern in conception. “These are only a few of the many pictures on view, whilst there are also included costume designs, stage settings, and wood-cuts. “No other artist I can think of” says the critic ‘is capable of producing such variety and being successful in every branch Bissill is in sympathy with everything he paints, and is able to communicate that sympathy to others.’ Many of Bissell’s works were eagerly purchased prior to the exhibition being opened to the public. “An Appreciation of Bissill” written by a leading authority on art, contains some very striking and interesting references to the ability and future prospects of our local artist. The keynote of all Bissell’s work, says the writer, is strength and character. One may have preferences, but no one can say which is his best work. His water- colours are very beautiful. Asked whether he never felt sorry, at parting with his work. Bissill recently replied, “Not at all, the joy I get is in creating.” This is the secret of his success he is never satisfied to continue in one fixed manner, and does not run the risk of smothering his creative power. He first came into fame with his mining drawings, and the press made him “The Miner Artist” Many a man have been content with this success, but it was not so with Bissill. He was not satisfied to repeat himself; he felt an absolute need to create. Bissill recently visited Paris, the goal of his ambition, and soon after arrival decided to produce woodcuts, his first being a mining subject, “Testing the air” which was an admirable success. His second was “The Scrubber,” which has been reproduced on many occasions, and his third “Timbering.” Was acquired by the South Kensington Museum. Later he started on Paris subjects, A walk in the Trocadero Gardens on his first evening gave “The Holy Men of France,” and a Sunday at Marley “The Picnic,” the latter resulting in an amusing adventure with a furious and voluble French woman who was not flattered by his sketch. In them he has shown that he understands Paris and the French as well as he did his miners. He has proved that he is not just “The Miner Artist” but an artist unqualified by any adjective of limitation. |
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Peter Chamberlain
Researcher Quote | Reply | This message was updated on 1/14/2006 12:34:35 PM by Peter Chamberlain |
Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/14/2006 8:26:33 AM Go To http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/com/ian/art/miningart.htm 3 IMAGES OF GEORGE W BISSELL PAINTINGS |
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Jennypeg
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/14/2006 4:21:39 PM I've had a look at www.healeyhero.co.uk its a good site. I found this on the net : Painter and furniture designer. Born 22 June 1896 at Fairford, Gloucestershire, son of a coal-miner; worked as a miner for six years. Served in France 1915–18 and was gassed. Studied at the Nottingham School of Art for one year 1920–1. Came to London and worked as a pavement artist 1921–4. First one-man exhibition at the Redfern Gallery 1924. Exhibited regularly at the R.A. from 1955. (from the internet). I will have a look at the newspapers for 1924 and see it we can find which pit he was working at! Jenny |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/14/2006 4:41:52 PM And for two further pictures, you can now look on the Noted People of our own web site. |
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Peter Chamberlain
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 1/15/2006 9:17:37 PM A Painting of a Landscape by G W Bissell was used in a competition on the lottery program last night 14/01/2006 |
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suzard
Researcher Quote | Reply | This message was updated on 5/27/2006 6:47:20 PM by suzard |
Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 5/27/2006 6:43:43 PM The Gazette 7th may 1937 "Langley Mill intends to celebrate the Coronation with its usual thoroughness and not the least proof of this is the production of a handsome souvenier programme, which is now on sale at the price of threepence. The booklet is admirably produced, and, before turning to its contents, I must congratulate the printers upon the fine craftmanship which has gone towards the composition and which is testimony that in the printing trade as in several other industries Langley Mill is worthily upholding its reputation for first class workmanship. One of the most noteworthy features is a drawing by Mr George Bissill, the well known Langley Mill artist. Mr Bissill asks that after use the Coronation Committee will present the original drawing to Coun T Horsley, the headmaster of the Boys' School, for the school. Mr Bissill who was born in 1896 was a former scholar there. He left at thirteen and went to work at local collieries. From 1915-1918 he served in France, where he was gassed in 1918. After leaving the army he studied at the Nottingham School of Art, going to settle in London in 1921. There he speedily made a name for himself, practising most forms of modern methods in art expression. Since 1924 he has been holding regular one man exhibitions in the Bond Street galleries and has also exhibited at the London group New English and international exhibitions. He occasionally does commercial work designing posters for Shell and the G.P.O. He has also designed costumes for the theatre and furniture." Please note -throughout this article the name is spellt "Bissill"-it's not my typo.... this time!!! |
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RMMee
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 5/27/2006 11:38:22 PM Bissill is the correct spelling of his name as far as I am aware. Thanks for that item Sue - I've got an item from the 1937 programme, but don't have a copy of the programme itself (or at least, I don't think so.) The Society probably has, so I will try to track down the Bissill picture some time. |
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suzard
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Langley Mill Artist
replied on: 5/28/2006 4:39:58 AM Wonder what happened to the original at the Boys School? |
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