Mary Headlam: An Artist Rediscovered, Abbott and Holder Gallery, exhibition review: ‘Impressive command of draughtsmanship’
In recent years there has been growing enthusiasm for lesser-known artists of previous periods.
Mary Headlam (1874-1959) was one of a small number of fin-de-siècle women who were recognised for their creative talents during their lifetimes.
Having trained at the Slade between 1892 and 1896, she was intimately connected to artistic circles, including those of Gwen John, Edna Clarke Hall and the Syrett sisters.
Now, Abbott and Holder Gallery in Bloomsbury have an exhibition of Headlam’s drawings, etchings and wood engravings.
Spring Chelsea, 1939. Image: courtesy Abbott and Holder
These delicate contributions to the Romantic tradition display a lively imagination as well as an impressive command of draughtsmanship.
Some of the early canvasses are portraits, but most of the collection shown here is made up of landscapes, mainly of places where Headlam lived and worked, including London, Cambridge, Hampshire, Sussex and Devon, as well as France and Jamaica, which she visited in 1936.
There are also a number of works with fictional themes, such as her illustrations of the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and other fairy tales, some of which were commissioned.
Headlam never fully realised her ambition to become a professional illustrator, but a century on, viewers can appreciate her expressive flair.
Mary Headlam (1987-1959): An Artist Rediscovered runs until 23 December at Abbott and Holder Gallery, 30 Museum Street, WC1A 1LH.