Laura Knight: A Working Life

Dame Laura Knight RA was the first female member to be elected to the Royal Academy of Arts. An exhibition of her drawings opens at the RA this autumn, focusing on three key subjects: the nude, the working woman, and country life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts

Dame Laura Knight RA (1877-1970) made history by becoming the first female member to be elected to the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. In 1936, she showcased her now renowned painting, Dawn, featuring two female nudes, as her Diploma Work. In 1965, the Academy conducted a comprehensive retrospective of her work, acknowledging her significant contribution to British art. This autumn, the RA will host an exhibition showcasing Knight's drawings, which played a pivotal role in her artistic practice. Through her drawings, Knight was able to capture the vibrant essence of her subjects, ranging from travelers and circus performers to boxers, ballet dancers, and ice skaters. Drawing was not just a means of artistic expression for her; it also served as a crucial tool for recording important events, such as the Nuremberg trials, which she witnessed firsthand. In this new publication, titled Laura Knight: Drawings from the Royal Academy, Annette Wickham and Helen Valentine present an in-depth analysis of the Academy's holdings of Knight's drawings, focusing on three key subjects within her work: the nude, the working woman, and country life. The publication delves into Knight's artistic journey, exploring her influences, techniques, and the societal and cultural contexts that shaped her work. Through vivid illustrations and insightful commentary, this book offers a fresh perspective on the remarkable life and legacy of Dame Laura Knight RA.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 172 x 231 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912520367