Dear World….let me introduce the artist (painter)…

This in going to be one of the last posts on this unnoticed blog. One of the final days of this website because my research to date has advised me to take another route. The advice came from a very well respected source and I am intelligent enough to take good advice.

My commitment to doing the right thing, in memory of Barry and in respect of his work means taking a different route, it will be a longer one. It will mean the artwork remains under my wing for longer than I had hoped, but not doing the wrong thing is vital. I have now been told the best thing to do, a good starting point and it feels refreshing to have a point from which to plan the journey from today. 1 April 2023…don’t be no fool….

I am both excited and intrigued by this next step. In some ways it is definitely a step back, I wanted to get rid of the works, to sell them. That would mean they were out in the world, it would also give the funds to allow me to do something in remembrance of Barry. But, I am advised, don’t sell the work. Because Barry shunned the art establishment, and because the art establishment only has itself as a reference both Barry and his works are unknown within the small circles of the ‘Art World’. It is a little bit like a credit history score, if you have never borrowed a penny, you are unable to be judged in terms of your ability to manage and repay debt. As such because you have never needed to borrow; presumably an indicator you have money, but also a factor that makes you a high risk borrower now.

For the first time I will be departing from Barry’s own practice. As the artist Barry conversed directly with his audience, he entertained them and sold directly to them from his own studio and small gallery. He had no interest in moving in the circles of the establish art markets. As such he is unknown to the art world, his works are unspoken about in the circles that ‘matter’ and the value of his works is undeterminable to me. I do not have the cache of being the artist, of attracting the audience as the creator of the works, I am just the custodian of them with a desire to do what is right. Barry sold his works for sums beyond what I am currently able to achieve and as such I have the choice of either just ‘banging them out’ and getting whatever I can. Likely to be small sums and then do a little with that, or waiting to see if Barry is an artist of significance who is thus far overlooked.

Getting any reputable auction house to take the works is unlikely, they would incur costs beyond what the work is likely to fetch, the work needs to earn it place at the table, so to speak. I am not confident if Barry was in the position of being at the end of his life and having to make a decision about his work beyond his life, what he would do. I know Barry was a serious artist, he took his own work seriously and was of the opinion he mattered and his work had merit at an intellectual level. So who knows what he would have done, would he have embraced a world he had previously shunned to ensure the works were not forgotten, where not trashed and were in the world with the respect he know he and they deserved. I do not know, I cannot know. What I know is that I have to do the very best I can. I have to know if the works are the beautiful, accomplished pieces I believe the are. To know if that feeling I get with I stand in front of one, just like I get when I stand in front of other great artists, such as Rothko is the indicator I feel it is, that these are significant works of art and there is a place for them at the table.

Doing something…but doing the right something informs me to take the advice. Don’t sell the works now. Don’t take the few thousand someone with a lovely large farmhouse will pay for something for their kitchen. Bring the work, the artist, to the attention of the world. Get some exhibitions, promote the story, the work, the artist, build a reputation and create a dialogue so when people search Barry White, they find the story, the work, the valued opinions, the trail and that will ultimately advise me if there is place at the table for this work and then I can present it to the market for sale and do something with the funds. It may be another 10 years, I will then be 70! It starts today and Barry better be pulling from above because I need all the help I can get.

Dear World….let me introduce the artist (painter)…’the lesser known’ Barry White.

I have always refused to use the name Barry White and have tried many ways round it. Initially (16 September 2019) I set up Barry White Gallery and within days questioned if I had any right to use Barry’s name. I had at that time received Barry’s blessing to take his work, sell it and use the money to help artists. But I had a sudden awareness of the magnitude of using another persons name; I backtracked. Now, over three and a half years later, I realise I should have gone with my instinct. I need to use Barry White’s name in association with his work. The Forgotten Gallery will be remembered, but it will also be laid to rest and Barry White will be the name atop this project.

Goodbye Queen Elizabeth II

A life lived in full, in service, in public and in private. As a country, Queen Elizabeth II has been influential in really tangible ways. As a child, born in London, it was such a regular thing to go to Buckingham Palace, play on the green spaces so close, walk down The Mall, talk to the guards…they never spoke back…but it was always fun. I remember once singing to them, the way kids do. As a woman she showed unswerving strength and consistence in a male dominated world. She always took things in her stride, remained true to her nature and, it often seemed, was an ordinary person in an extraordinary situation. Her life is something to be celebrated, respectfully morned and remembered. To live as she did, with the man she loved, in the role she was willing to embrace and reach the age of 96 with her spirit and attitude undimmed by time, I feel a great warmth for Queen Elizabeth II, the queen of my lifetime. A woman who lived a full life and witnessed a great deal. I am not sure I will carry my regard for the monarch forward to the successor, but part of her legacy is that she made the office relevant and respected by many, giving her son and grandson the best possible start in the role. My love, thoughts and thanks to a remarkably human woman, who was also a Queen. Each life is a journey, Queen Elizabeth II it seems was prepared to take that journey with a full heart, commitment and genuine devotion the our wonderful country. I can only speculate what she experienced in the elevated role her life presented, but she seemed at all times down-to-earth in a very human way, demonstrating her love of laughter often. A woman who knew the pomp and circumstance were just that, at the end of the day she was human, drawn to those moments of personal intimacy not shared as part of her public role. I think she did her job as Queen and lived her life as Lilibet, today we must say goodbye to both the Queen and the woman. On a personal level…I will miss her being here.

Seeking A New Space

This wonderful project as been a series of new experiences. I could never have imagined, being responsible for this artwork, running a gallery or seeking to turn a love of art into supporting artists in their pursuit to create it. I did not anticipate any of that being part of my journey, having accepted it was, I did not hesitate. When you go forward, although you do not know where you are going, it takes faith that you will work it out or survive it. Basically, that has been my approach, I fully understand the objectives behind the project, my promise to Barry remain my guiding light and whatever has blocked or sought to block my path has quickly been dispatched. Having established a dedicated space to exhibit work we are now moving. We do not know where we will be moving to, but we are in the process of moving out of our current space. What we are confident in is that the next space will be even better and propel us forward in our desire to liberate all the art in our possession and build a model that will allow artists the creative freedom and control over their work that enables them to profit most from their skill and hard work. As always, through the path is only partly visible we will confidently stride out in pursuit of our dream. We welcome any who choose to take some steps with us and thank you for your support.

Sometimes You Have To Accept ‘Goodbye’ Sometimes You Welcome it.

It is not always your choice how and when you say ‘goodbye’. Today I had to accept ‘goodbye’, while not completely unexpected the nature and sprit in which it was delivered was.

Who am I to question? A ‘Goodbye’, like a ‘Hello’ is a marker along a time line. I always accept the things and people that come into my life and those that leave it. It is natural, not all things last. In fact very few do. Some live longer than others, this was a brief but enlightening union at a time of new beginnings and I will always remember the experience for the journey and not the ‘Goodbye’.

Update - 25 February 2023 - 20 months on from that, the time has flown and that Good Bye was a welcome opportunity to, without intervention, move in the direction needed. Not prolonging a short and unsuccessful union has ensured this journey is, what it was always intended to be, positive, joyous and a privilege to take. The project goes from strength to strength, the time it requires has been afforded it. Things have been as slow as they needed to be and because of that the path taken and that ahead is right; sure underfoot.

A Wonderful Day…it was great to meet you

We always have high expectations and anticipate the very best. Today, just 2 weeks after we decided to do a pop-up exhibition of work by the fabulous Tonie Rigby, we could not have foreseen just how wonderful would be our day. The gallery space is beautiful, somehow light in texture and feel and I am very used to being in it alone, with my thoughts, with the art and occasionally with a client. Today it was filled with talk, laughter and exchanges between friends and strangers. Faith and I enjoyed the day and meeting everyone who was gracious enough to visit us. Tonie was, of course, the star of the show. Generous with her time and willingness to discuss her works and answer many questions.

The ‘artist thoughts’ paintings (of which the above is one) attracted a great deal of attention and discussion. They were very popular and many sold. The one featured here was one I just could not let go…so it is now destined for my collection of treasured works of art.

If you are visiting tomorrow, you will be most welcome and if not… we look forward to meeting you on a future occasion.

Pop Up Exhibition Tonie Rigby

My Space by Tonie Rigby | Acrylic on Board | 32” x 32” | 84cm x 84cm | £500.00

It is time to throw open the doors. We are delighted to welcome Tonie Rigby to The Forgotten Gallery. New original works by Tonie will be on show and available to purchase from the gallery on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June 2021. We will be open from10am to 3pm so please do call in and see works by this local artist. If you would like to join us for a little glass of Champagne, please bring your own glass or perhaps a vintage teacup! All works will be available to purchase online after the exhibition has closed. If you are unable to make it over the weekend, you can book a viewing by appointment until mid July.

A Milestone

Today we began cataloguing Barry’s work, what an undertaking! We have put the work into some order and in safe storage. There is lot, and some is in very poor condition, including woodworm in some frames/stretchers, a lot of pigeon mess, broken frames, damaged canvases etc. Much of the work has been abandoned for many years, even in the later years of his life Barry had simply placed many canvases against walls and continued to create new works. There are several works unfinished; the pieces he was working on over the last few years of his practice. They have chalk lines where he would later have added permanent marks, a theme in many of his works, grids, geometry and equations. We now need to work to ensure every piece is clean, some will need re-stretching and decision will need to be reached regarding others that are damaged or simply rolled up. We have learned quite a lot about light restoration in terms of getting dints out of canvases, cleaning pigeon poo off works etc…. I now have the task of tidying up each piece, creating the images that will allow us to catalogue and share the work and get each piece recorded in a digital file and on the site. That is going to take some time and money.

What the process has allowed us to do is to become fully acquainted with each and every piece, our appreciation of his work has grown manyfold through the process of viewing, evaluating and organising the works; cleaning, photographing and labelling them. A labour of love that will further familiarise us with his work; no doubt we will grow in admiration of his talent and skill as an artist. We feel it is a privilege to be in the position we are, surrounded by years of his work, thought and skill. Now we are ready to get them exhibited and out in the world on walls and in conversations. While I have loved spending the past 4 years with these works, they have a different destiny. We will need all the good fortune we can muster, the support and patronage of some influential individuals and financial support from art lovers wherever we can find it.

Barry with one of the pieces now with The Forgotten Gallery

The Vision is Clear Now

FYI!

So much thought and time has gone in to reaching just the right outcome for all the work in my care. Barry’s death was the point at which I know I had to not only fulfil my promise to get his work in the light again but to ensure his name is remembered. So the vision is now clear, not easy…but clear.

Money raised from the sale of Barry’s work will go to purchasing a building in which will be the Barry White Artist Studios and The Forgotten Gallery; a space for the artist to exhibit their own work and sell directly to the person who will love it forever. It is a charity project that welcomes the wider community into the space to enjoy and participate in art. It would be wonderful to think people with memory loss could spend time painting and drawing in a space created out of the legacy left by Barry.

It is a huge undertaking, it will require a vast amount of money and even more energy so I know it is a very difficult task I have set myself. I expect to receive support throughout and look forward to the day when a beautiful space is filled with art, artists, love and creativity. This is going to be quite an adventure. Follow the journey, if you purchase art from us, the profits will go to this vision. You can support our work and help us realise the vision by making a donation. If you have or have had someone close who has experienced memory loss, why not make a contribution in their name. I am not sure how, but the name of every person who donates or contributes to this vision will appear in the final building and become a permanent part of this exhilarating journey.

Things are Moving On

Without a shadow of a doubt, The Forgotten Gallery is here to stay. From a very fragile beginning, through a very doubtful few years we have now found our footing and are loving the experience.

This project, or business as it now is, started out of a sense of obligation… it has survived out of a love of art.

I have always loved art; it has been a mainstay of my life since I was a teenager. I never realised it was perhaps deeper than just discovering pieces I loved, chatting with the artists who created them and then sharing my life with them. My home has always been filled with art, it brings me joy, brightens my life reminds me of the times in my life when each pieces was introduced to me. The Forgotten Gallery allows me to share my love of art with others, to introduce them to pieces that will live with them for years, reminded them of the day the found it, the day they met the artists and be the subject of many conversations for years to come. The Forgotten Gallery is here to stay.

Counterintuitive

It is not exactly what I ever imagined we would be doing. At the request of the artist we are destroying canvases. Some are very damaged anyway others are perfectly good. It is a shame but ultimately every artist reserves the right to dictate what happens to their work. We are respectfully recording them prior to disposing of them. It is just one more thing for us to adust to. It will be lovely when all the destruction is over.

15 September 2020

Today, Barry Died. Unlike most people Barry has left his mark. If not on the world, then in it.

Rest in peace Barry -x-

A Few False Starts

Over the past few weeks it feels this mammoth project is starting to gain traction.

For over a year since 2018 we had not been in the studio. Although Barry had advised us he was leaving and had gave notice on his lease, he continued to pay his rent. When we originally found all the work in mid 2019 in the damp abandoned studio Matthew and I were, it is safe to say, surprised. Barry had contacted us to tell us he had left this studio, he would stop payments, that he had taken what he wanted and we were to dispose of what was left.

There were lots of canvases on stretchers stacked against damp walls, on very damp floors, in annexes and one or two Barry had clearly been working on during his last days in the studio. The smell of damp was quite overwhelming and some of the canvases had pigeon-dropping damage... little additions I do not think Barry would sanction! In addition to these were canvases literally dumped into corners. They had, in the past, been on stretchers but having been removed lay akin to scrunched up paper that failed to hit the wastepaper basket target. Some of these were damaged by mould, many of the walls were covered in dark furry mould that, undisturbed for a few years, was taking hold.

Having waited almost two years to redevelop the space the landlord was naturally growing impatient. The space needed clearing, cleaning, airing and to be divided into new studios. It took many months for us to establish a clearer picture. I knew something drastic needed to happen if the work was not to end up in landfill. I knew someone had to step in and save the work... but I did not think I had any right to be that person. During those months I managed to persuade people to leave the studio as it was in the expectation we would eventually get in touch with Barry to be certain he did not want the works.

It took another six months of calling to, quite by chance, get someone to answer the phone. It was not Barry but someone visiting, following that telephone call we had a clearer picture of what was happening. Within fifteen minutes we had explained the situation and arranged for the people caring for Barry to call in and collect his things. We agreed a date. I was relaxed, convinced that the final result would be everything in the studio that could be saved, would be saved.

That feeling was short lived. Following the initial visit they told us that they would return but would be taking just the personal effects and some documents... none of the work! A few days later, true to their word David and Pamela arrived with boxes and packed up the jazz cassettes, the paperwork, some books, the Audrey Hepburn calendar; over several hours they took everything they believed Barry would want. I explained that prior to contacting them and in the absence of any other options I had been considering taking the work out rather than letting it go into skips. That faced with that very real prospect I had been considering what I could do to save it and if I had any right to take it. I explained my plan... as simple as it was; remove the work to a safe place, clean the pigeon poo off it! Photograph each piece, list it on a website I would build with dimensions, medium, year and title, or as is the case lack thereof. Barry's view of naming works is a matter of record. Out of respect for Barry's love of exhibiting his work I would then make it my mission to try and get some of his work into the permanent collections, on permanent display or on loan at institutions he has a history with. Such as Bolton where he was born and later taught, Wigan College of Art and Goldsmiths College where he studied. University of Manchester, Salford College of Art, Faculty of Art and Design, Manchester Polytechnic (as was), School of Art Institute of Chicago all of which he taught at. Then there are the many galleries where he exhibited, often many times, over the decades he was active. Finally anywhere else I could find the wide open space his larger pieces demand; I imagined those huge white backdrops you see in slick BMW showrooms and could just see a piece up there with the vast expanse of glass through which the world could see it!

I explained that in my opinion the work needed to be out and on view that leaving it to rot in dark abandoned rooms was not what anyone, including Barry, would want but that I was reluctant because who was I to do this? I explained that I hoped to donate some pieces on permanent loan, to sell some pieces and if I managed to do that to use the money to establish a fund that would pay for students to study art. They agreed that Barry would love that and believed that I could go ahead and start to realise the ambitions I outlined.

Even then, I hesitated, not quite able to convince myself that I had any right to take the work under my control, albeit a benign control. Then one day I went into the gallery, clearly the landlord had got there first and instructed some workman to start the clear out. There were piles of rubbish and I mean broken glass, gas canisters, mould, thick black damp filth all swept up against canvases as they lay against the damp wall. A few of the canvases were damaged. That was it! I know I had to strike now or continue to hesitate and allow the work to be disposed of. The people I was dealing with genuinely could see no reason not to just dispose of the works. They did not think they were worth saving. Remarkable but true!

So I did what I had been considering doing for over twelve months. I photographed the studio as we found it, hired some help and removed all the work, the old mangle and a few other items Barry used in his daily work and put it all into storage. A massive job, it took many days. Even before it was finished the demolition, skip-filling and reconstruction began around us. On one occasion I had to retrieve some canvases from the skip! By this time Faith had explored the dark hidey-hole with me and discovered the works of Joseph Burke. Julian and Nigel had been generous enough to help and to give some invaluable advice and guidance. More importantly Matthew was on board, no longer seeing the works as a problem to be disposed of, he was my partner in this daunting undertaking. I was still convinced, and had managed to convince Matthew, that this was a twelve month project... tops!

You might think having made the decision, taken decisive action and removed the works I would feel confident to just get on with it. However I still hesitated, in September 2019 all the works were safe, in storage and under my care. I made a start, did some research on the existing website, tracked down the site builder and had a conversation... that was not a fruitful conversation. I bought a new domain and registered a not for profit company... The Barry White Gallery. Again I felt that I had no authority to use Barry's name, I could not gain his consent. I bought another domain and renamed the company... The Woodend Gallery. Barry had been in Woodend Mill for over thirty years, he had set up The Woodend Artists cooperative in the 1990's. It seemed perfect. Then I discovered Wood End Gallery in Bedfordshire... time to rethink! Now another four months had passed, it was 2020 and I had done nothing more than move the work from one place to another. It was bordering on surreal, to walk into that space with so many pieces of work facing four walls... abandoned again; just in a different place.

I decided I needed to stop procrastinating; all the beautiful work sitting ignored and unloved was not what I set out to do. I was still reticent to take the ultimate control required to make decisions and do the things I had said I would. Once again ‘who am I?' crept in. By the end of January I had set my reservations aside, it was the work again that dictated to me. It needed to be out, on view, discussed. So I took a single small piece and got permission from the cafe on site to hang it there. They were delighted to home it, so off they went with it in their arms.

A few days later I went to see it hanging on the wall. Chelsey told me many people had admired it and talked about the piece… and Barry. That was the final confirmation I needed... I thought it needed a little plaque with Barry's name and the name of the gallery. So I needed a website... I built one; it needed a blog to record the story and the journey... I started one, a plaque... I made one. I was infused with a desire to act without the worry that had stayed me thus far. I made contact with the only person who seems able to get Barry's blessing, to explain what I am doing and to see if I can get his approval... though as she said he may have forgotten the conversation a few hours later. To know he approves is the last little bit of impetus needed. Then watch out world... here we come!

Beautiful Cloth Bound Sketchbooks

These beautiful cloth bound sketchbooks are made in England from British paper, they provide high quality, acid-free 140 gms all-media cartridge paper, sized to provide extra wet-strength. They are perfect for all your sketching and drawing needs. We have them in various sizes but my favourite is the 25cm square chunky one.

You have the option of clear or grey typography. They are available to buy from the gallery shop and will soon be online in our new shop.

New Logo

When this journey began we were fully aware the way ahead was not well worn, our steps have been sure but not always true, we have found the need to step back, to ensure we create our right path. Names have presented a particular dilemma; what you call something is fundamental to not only how you feel about it but how it translates to others. Initially we were going to be Barry White Gallery, that is the name we registered the company in. Then it occurred to me that, Barry was not fully able to agree to that and going forward how much control would we be able to maintain over the activities of the company to ensure they remained relevant to and honoured Barry’s name. I decided we did not have the authority to use another persons name, to present our activities under their heading seems to presumptuous. The Forgotten Gallery is the spirit of artist Barry White, he painted his works to be exhibited for public and private consumption, his work perfectly represents him as an artist but his name over the door was ill fitting. We took the decision to take a step back, to rename the gallery in a playful reference to the condition that robbed Barry of his artist awareness while paying tribute and respect to that condition affording us the opportunity to speak about memory loss in remembrance of Barry. Having settled on our name we created a logo, we no longer like the original logo and are sufficiently early in our journey to change it. We love the new logo and although our beautiful cloth bound sketch books now have the old logo we will enjoy explaining the change and look forward to the next production with our new logo. We want to have something that conveys who we are, our new logo does that.

Welcome to The Forgotten Gallery Blog

Work found in Barry’s private gallery.

“It is difficult to imagine forgetting who you are. Closing the door to a studio where you have painted for over 30 years and simply forgetting that door... and what is behind it.”

— Annie Kèki February 2019

I have become the custodian of a body of work that spans over 50 years by an artist who has simply forgotten he is an artist. At 83 Barry White suffers from memory loss, such that about 2 years ago he abandoned his studio of over 30 years and the works within it. He told me that he had removed everything that he wanted and moved out. It provided a long-awaited opportunity to redevelop the large space into smaller studios. When I looked within the paint-marked walls I found pieces of work, some of them small doodles but many of them very large canvases. The studio was as it had always been, filled with years of small influences its past inhabitant had wrought on it. His painting clothes, brushes, pots, works-in-progress, his Audrey Hepburn calendar, jazz tapes a small cassette player. Over 30 years of work, treasured memories and cigarette stubs now equally forgotten behind the forgotten door

Barry’s studio, just as he left it.

This journey started some two years ago, we are now making progress with a plan to ensure Barry is not forgotten. It will be a longer journey than we first anticipated but it is a journey I was determined to undertake. Some time ago I had to assert myself to ensure what I found was not simply destroyed, placed into skips to allow for the redevelopment of the space. We have moved well past that now, and are fully committed to doing our very best. We are delighted to have been joined by some wonderful people who have experience in the field of art, who are passionate about the work and who have been willing to fully engage and offer their knowledge and help. Nigel and Julian were the first to step-up. Julian, an artist himself, now has a studio in the redeveloped space! Nigel and Julian also own the Weavers Factory. Faith was one of the first into the space with me; we explored the dark hidey-hole at the very back of the studio. A place, overtaken by damp and pigeons, where we discovered works by Joseph Burke and Edith ? Sadly the damp and birds had ravaged many of them. It was like discovering a tomb and we were excited, in the dark, covered in cobwebs, bird poo and with only a mobile phone to light the void to find large vibrant canvases. We later discovered these were the work of Joseph Burke. That is another story… for another time.

One of the pieces Barry was working on, as it was found in his studio.

Chelsey and Rory who own the Allotment Cafe on site were the next to pull up a seat and now have the first piece on display. It is on loan from The forgotten gallery and looks beautiful on the wall of their charming cafe. A tiny first step but very significant, because from January 2020 people are enjoying and discussing Barry’s work as Chelsey and Rory share his story. Together we are starting to build the relationships, make the connections and share the story that will one day lead to the fulfillment of my promise to Barry… to ensure his work, though forgotten by him, will be remembered and enjoyed by as many people as I can reach, through as many people as I get to share the journey with me.

Matthew and I are taking it one step at a time, often unsure where to place our feet but we will make it.

Barry left his mark… on the walls of his studio.

This blog will be a record of the journey, all those who join us on it and I am sure much more. If you would like to be a part of the journey follow the blog to see how you can get involved.