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Nikki Frater

@nikki.frater

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artist and art historian, with a special interest in the life and work of Rex Whistler

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As part of 'Cecil Beaton's Fashionable World' @nationalportraitgallery and marking the close friendship between Rex and Cecil, my book is on sale in the shop! Here I am with Andrew Ginger @arginger and his own beautiful book 'Cecil Beaton at Home:An Interior Life'. Happy authors! Also in shot is the exclusive Beaton-inspired range by @lukeedwardhall
Of course you must also fill your shopping basket with the masterful catalogue to the show by @rkm_muir
My book is published by Paul Holberton Publishing @php_books by @nikki.frater

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a year ago

More images from the opening of 'Cecil Beaton's Fashionable World' @nationalportraitgallery. This is a must see, not just for those many fans of Beaton's portrait photography but for anyone interested in fashion and his unique approach to it. The show is a complete tour de force by eminent curator @rkm_muir

This huge image, beautifully framed by the gallery's vaulted ceilings, sets the scene for what is to come.

Here is a favourite photo of Cecil, launching himself on Venice in this fabulous outfit. It reminds me always of the Harlequin he painted in the Circus Bedroom at Ashcombe.

In conversation with the lovely @emmaarni

Frank Dobson's vibrant and Impressionistic depiction of the saloon at Ashcombe.

And, of course, Rex Whistler's painting of the house itself - here captive in a perspex box like a precious jewel. Which it always was to Cecil. Apologies for multiple reflections, perspex is tricky. by @nikki.frater

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A favourite photo of Rex Whistler, an informal snap taken by his old friend Cecil Beaton, as they shared a meal in a cafe during the War. To me it captures the easy charm of the man.

This is Rex fully at ease in his uniform and indeed his role, as an Officer in the Welsh Guards. His 1940 self-portrait showed the apprehension of the new recruit, with unknown challenges ahead.

In the end he was both artist and soldier, with some of his finest work being carried out whilst training and on manoeuvres with his regiment.

Rex was killed in action in France on July 18th 1944 during Operation Goodwood, one of the largest tank battles the British Army has ever fought. He was 39. by @nikki.frater

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Renoir. Spring,Chatou c.1873

Somehow I had never noticed this painting before, but there it was, hanging @courtauld gallery, bursting with Spring equinox energy. I'm not even a huge Renoir fan but the soft green breeziness of this kept drawing me in. And London was definitely in spring mode today. taken in Courtauld Gallery by @nikki.frater

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2 years ago

by @nikki.frater

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Ulysses bids a poignant farewell to Penelope....and in less than 2 weeks we say farewell to the wonderful exhibition 'Rex Whistler The Artist and his Patrons ' @salisburymuseum. Have you seen it yet? If you have, come and see it again!
This painting was created for Sir Malcolm Bullock...was it a commission or an awkward parting gift? Come and enjoy the story. There are many more of them and I promise you will leave knowing things about Rex you'd never imagined.
Buy the book, signed copies available. by @nikki.frater

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A lovely audience listening very attentively to a reading from my book... by @nikki.frater

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Rex Whistler was born on the 24th of June 1905, in Eltham, Kent. Here he is, in deep conversation with a woman I would love to identify...
Celebrate a Summer of Rex @salisburymuseum, come and see the exhibition 'Rex Whistler The Artist and his Patrons ' and why not buy the accompanying book - it is an object of great beauty! by @nikki.frater

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A Summer of Rex...
Not only a book but also an exhibition at @salisburymuseum, who will also be hosting many special events to celebrate Rex Whistler, in this the 80th anniversary of his death in Normandy, a few weeks after D-Day.
I have curated the exhibition to bring the book to life. We’ve got hidden treasures from the Whistler Archive, held at the Museum, mural panels and paintings from private collections and much more.
On the poster ‘Ulysses’ Farewell to Penelope’ 1932-3, and a stunning detail from the oil study for the overmantel painting for Haddon Hall of the same year.
Come and visit! by @nikki.frater

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'Rex Whistler The Artist and his Patrons'

7 (?!) years ago I had an idea for a book... and last week it was published! A long, intense and challenging process and I have enjoyed every minute. It is available now from @salisburymuseum (and they will also post it in the UK) and all online and bricks and mortar booksellers. A note to my friends and Rex fans in the US - the books are on their way, by ship, across the Atlantic and will be on sale early July. You can pre-order.
'Rex Whistler The Artist and his Patrons' is published by the wonderful Paul Holberton Publishing @php_books and I am also very grateful for the support of the equally wonderful Salisbury Museum.

Front cover: detail of the mural for Euan and Barbie Wallace at 19 Hill Street, London, 1930-31
Back: detail of the painting 'Ulysses' Farewell to Penelope', painted for Sir Malcolm Bullock, 1932-33

More exciting news to follow...

#rexwhistler
#englishart
#betweenthewars
#patronage
#aristocracy
#murals by @nikki.frater

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Always daunting to return to a blank sheet of paper after a looooong interlude of zero creativity. This was a gentle Sunday afternoon session with #rawumberstudios. Their teaching is always helpful, but I went my own way with black ink and white paint. Low expectations=more enjoyment.

#art #artistsoninstagram #monochrome #portrait #ink by @nikki.frater

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4 years ago

'Cyclamen in a blue and white pot'

'Yews and Tombs. Painswick churchyard'

I'm delighted to have been invited to donate these two paintings to Art Aid Ukraine - an online and live auction this Sunday 24th April. All funds raised by the sale of works by an impressive list of artists will go to provide medicine for Ukraine. The event takes place at The Boiler House, Trumans brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 6RU. There will be a host of Ukrainian musical talent performing during the afternoon with the auction starting at 19:00 hrs. Tickets from Eventbrite - just search for art-aid-ukraine-auction-event-tickets-310367486507. Or bid online. Thank you!

@artaidukraine

#ukraine
#fundraiser
#artauction by @nikki.frater

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