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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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