Thursday, August 29, 2013

Albert James Munnings exhibit in Middleberg, VA.





If you live in the Northern Virginia area, the Open-Air Works Albert James Munnings (English, 1878 – 1959) exhibit at the National Sports Library and Museum in Middleburg, VA. is a must see before it closes on September 15th.  They have over 50 paintings on loan from both private collections and other museums in the exhibit.  We were told it is rare for a Munnings show of this size to be seen in the U.S.  

By the age of twenty Munnings had two paintings accepted for exhibition by the Royal Academy, the sanctioned voice of authority on visual arts in England. His painting are fabulous examples of the use of color, light and movement.  While many of his painting in the exhibit are hunting and racing scenes, there are many others that are not, so there is something for everyone.   

I didn’t even know there was a museum in Middleburg, but a friend read about the show in the Wall Street Journal.  We had an unplanned surprise, as we walked into the museum the curator was just starting a guided tour.  Her enthusiasm and excitement took a wonderful exhibit to another level.  She brought the artist to life.  The museum has a guided tour every Saturday at 2:00pm, but we were told small groups can make reservations for a tour.  

As everyone knows, photographs just don't do paintings justice, but here are a couple of the paintings on exhibit.  
  
Albert Munnings, Leading Ponies on Ringland Hills, 1911; oil on canvas

Albert Munnings, Going Out at Epsom, 1931; oil on canvas