Joash Woodrow (1927-2006)
20th Century British art is now being re-evaluated after a chance discovery in a North Yorkshire bookshop led to an astonishing discovery of unseen art.
Joash Woodrow is one of the most remarkable rediscoveries of recent years: in 2001, a treasure trove of paintings and drawings were uncovered in the Leeds home where he lived as a recluse for 40 years.
The man responsible for bringing the artist to light was Andrew Stewart, owner of 108 Gallery, who was tipped off about some Edwardian art periodicals which had been defaced in an exuberant Picasso-esque way. He visited Woodrow's home to investigate further and a year later a small exhibition was staged to introduce the world to Joash Woodrow.
Bridgeman Art Library is delighted to present over 100 artworks by Joash Woodrow available for licensing
An exhibition of Woodrow's work at 108 Gallery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire has now been extended until the end of May.
White Picket Fence with Trees and Buildings Beyond by Joash Woodrow (1927-2006) Private Collection/ 108 Fine Art The Lowry of Leeds?
Woodrow's raw expressionist landscapes and portraits are distinctive and imaginative, articulately fusing a complex variety of strands from avant-garde 20th-century European painting into a personal vision.
Core subject matter includes the suburban landscape of Leeds with picket-fenced allotments and industrial buildings, transformed into something lyrical and elemental with thick brushstrokes of highly coloured paint.
Intense, soulful portraits convey something of the chaotic inner-life of the artist with bold, chalky outlines.
Further biographical information, press reviews and exhibition news can be found on the 108 Fine Art website.
'Just as Lowry is known as the visual poet of Salford... so Woodrow is now being revealed as the surely unrivalled painter of 20th-century Leeds'
Philip Vann Art Critic and writer - Galleries Magazine