Letters from an Artist during World War One

There were great remonstrations at the one hundredth anniversary of the start of World War One, yet in recent months things have quietened down. Perhaps we shouldn't forget so quickly (as is the symptom of modern life where it's 'come-day go-day' too easily).

The great artist Claude Monet lost his son in World War One.  Extracts of Monet's letters are available over the period of his working life. This one from October 1917:

'To Gustave Geffroy,

Having come to Paris for Degas's funeral I was hoping to see you. I had also hoped you come here with your friend Barbier, but I've been working so hard that I'm exhausted and having just resumed the enormous task in the studio, I feel I won't be able to do without a week's rest, so I'm off to see the sea.  I've just let Monsieur Barbier know, thought it's merely a postponement. Could you kindly tell me what happened to the painting sent to Madame Poisson for the benefit of the blind; she did write to me but absorbed in my work as I was, I don't remember what she said and I've mislaid the letter. If the painting didn't find a buyer for the price that was settled on, I wouldn't want it to go to public auction and be sold off at a low price to some dealer; I'd prefer to have it back and hand over as large a sum of money as I'm able.

Claude Monet.'


Even in the midst of a war, an artist has to be business minded and practical. Perhaps a stabilising distraction.

Devonport Guildhall or Paris, New York, Washington, Vienna, Geneva ... ?

Where was I? Paris, New York, Washington, Vienna, Geneva .... the sheer blitz of colour from the wonderful art exhibition entitled: Persona Perspective by Plymouth artist Rosie Cunningham, was a treat to behold. A veritable palette of colours swept before our eyes. If you knew nothing about abstract art before entering the gallery, then the delight of the colour ensemble was enough to give you a feel of immense well being.

The day after a well attended launch evening, we held a creative writing workshop on the theme of Ekphrasis - or how to write about art from art. That too was well attended with some faces from the past in among several of the new. A few of the writer's from Plymouth Proprietary Library who were so loyal to me in my battle against the more sinister forces which try to control Plymouth, came unexpectedly to the fore. It was a pleasure to see you all.

If you feel you need an injection of colour in the midst of a dull January, take a step into Devonport Guildhall. You won't be disappointed. Devonport really is doing very well indeed.