Laura Knight: A Panoramic View

A major survey of Dame Laura Knight, the first female Royal Academician and popular British artist of the 20th century, is listed for the William MB Berger Prize for British Art History 2022. Her realist style of painting fell out of fashion, but a new generation has rediscovered her work, finding a contemporary resonance in her depictions of women at work, people from marginalized communities, and her contributions as a war artist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd

LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM MB BERGER PRIZE FOR BRITISH ART HISTORY 2022




A comprehensive exploration of Dame Laura Knight, the pioneering female Royal Academician and renowned British artist of the 20th century. Laura Knight (1877-1970) stands as one of the most celebrated and widely recognized English artists of the 20th century. Notably, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first woman to hold a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1965. Over the ensuing decades, her realist painting style gradually lost favor, resulting in a decline in the recognition of her work. However, a fresh generation has rediscovered the brilliance of her art, recognizing a contemporary relevance in her portrayals of women in the workplace, individuals from marginalized communities, and her significant contributions as a war artist.




This exquisitely illustrated book, in conjunction with a major exhibition at MK Gallery, serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Knight's illustrious career. It traces her journey from her early training at Nottingham Art School at the age of 13, through her experiences in North Yorkshire and Cornwall, to her visits to traveler communities and a segregated American hospital. The book also showcases her captivating circus, ballet, and theatre scenes, as well as her poignant paintings of women during wartime and her later works that capture the essence of nature.




The carefully curated selection of over 160 artworks encompasses both celebrated paintings and lesser-known graphic and design pieces, including ceramics, jewelry, and costumes. These artifacts reflect Knight's enduring fascination with the everyday lives of people from diverse backgrounds, showcasing her deep empathy and understanding of human experiences.




Dame Laura Knight's remarkable journey as an artist and her profound contributions to British art history continue to inspire and resonate with audiences today. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her ability to capture the essence of human experiences, and her unwavering commitment to social justice have earned her a rightful place in the annals of art history.




The recognition bestowed upon her by being longlisted for the prestigious William MB Berger Prize for British Art History 2022 serves as a testament to the enduring significance of her artistic legacy. We eagerly anticipate the announcement of the award's recipient, who will have the opportunity to further delve into the rich tapestry of Laura Knight's artistic accomplishments and contribute to the ongoing appreciation of her remarkable contributions to the world of art.

Weight: 1138g
Dimension: 227 x 281 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781301111