ΦDame Laura Knight, DBE, RA (1877-1970)

ΦDame Laura Knight, DBE, RA (1877-1970)
Kitty and her Pals
Signed and dated 1958/ Laura Knight (lower right)
Oil on canvas
71.5 x 91.5cm

Exhibited:
London, The Royal Academy, 1959, no.218;
Warrington, Salford, Birkenhead, Shades of British Impressionism: Lamorna Birch and His Circle, October 2004-February 2005;
Penzance, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Laura Knight: In the Open Air, June 2012-February 2013

From 1929, Laura and Harold Knight enjoyed mingling with the artistic community in Malvern whilst staying at the Colwall Hotel. In addition to poets, musicians, writers and actors, Laura befriended Alice Betteridge. Alice allowed her pony, Kitty, and her donkeys to be available for pleasure rides during the Malvern Festival and this indulged Knight's fondness for the colourful and varied blend of characters in her pictures.