Gallery issues plea to collectors to loan original Beryl Cook works for exhibition

Elviras Cafe, 1997, and Bar and Barbara, 1984. Composite: John Cooke, 2023/Courtesy of the Beryl Cook Estate

The show at Studio Voltaire, London, will explore the playful and political work of Cook and Finnish artist Tom of Finland

A leading gallery has issued a public plea to art collectors for help in recovering original works by Beryl Cook – one of Britain’s best-loved painters – so they can be included in a new exhibition.

The show will bring together the world of Cook and Finnish artist Tom of Finland for the first time, exploring the playful and political side of their work.

But since the whereabouts of many of Cook’s paintings are still unknown after they entered personal collections, Studio Voltaire is keen to hear from any owners of original artworks that they could loan.

In particular, it is looking for Cook’s depictions of larger-than-life women carousing in nightclubs, eating in cafes or enjoying ribald hen parties, which were often rendered in graphic and colourful forms.

The painter, who came to prominence in the mid-1970s, is renowned for her exuberant style and depictions of everyday life. Her work chronicled the social milieu of the areas she lived in and visited, notably Plymouth, and was both celebratory and provocative.

Tom of Finland, Untitled 1962 (From the Athletic Model Guild The Tattooed Sailor series). Photograph: 1962 Tom of Finland Foundation

Meanwhile, Tom of Finland’s pioneering depictions of homosexual machismo in his images of bikers, cowboys, labourers – as well as uniformed soldiers and sailors – broadly represented Queer, leather and muscle communities.

“Both artists commanded avid fanbases, and since Cook came to prominence in the mid-1970s, thousands of people have experienced her work through reproductions, prints, postcards and calendars,” said Joe Scotland, director of Studio Voltaire.

“However, many of Cook’s original paintings entered private collections during her lifetime, and have not been publicly exhibited since. There are now limited records of their whereabouts.

“We would love to hear from anyone who has an original painting and is open to loaning work for the exhibition, particularly Cook’s inimitable depictions of women – confident, defiant and joyous.”

SEE THE COMPLETE ARTICLE BY NADIA KHOMAMI

Published: 20th February 2024

Categorised in: Events, News