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.
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| Albert Munnings, Leading Ponies on Ringland Hills, 1911; oil on canvas |
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| Albert Munnings, Going Out at Epsom, 1931; oil on canvas |
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