Jerwood Revealed

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Previously hidden treasures from the collection of contemporary art are being exhibited for the first time in ‘Revealed’ at the Jerwood Gallery.  Purpose-built in 2012, the Gallery was designed as a permanent home for a collection of 20th- and 21st-century art.  

 ‘Revealed’ is the most comprehensive display of the collection since the opening of the Gallery and includes works returning to the Jerwood after being on loan to other Institutions.  The exhibition explores the history of the collection and the stories behind its development, from the ad hoc purchases of the early 1990s to recent acquisitions such as Nancy Milner's Plunge, winner of this year's Jerwood Prize at the Royal Academy Schools.  Alongside works by Sir Stanley Spencer RA,  L.S. Lowry RA,  Walter Sickert and Augustus John, and other works painted by British artists between the First World War and the 1960s are recent acquisitions such as the Portrait of Norman Kohnstamm by Alfred Wolmark.  This painting of a First World War soldier was produced in 1916 but only acquired in 2004. It is still relevant and topical today as we remember the centenary of that war.

‘Revealed’ accompanies special exhibitions on the maritime artist Alfred Wallis  and the abstract constructionist painter Marlow Moss. 

John Michael Jerwood was born in 1918, the same year that his father was tragically killed in action during the First World War.  He joined the family business, run by his Uncle, which specialized in importing pearls and diamonds.  Jerwood himself saw action in the Second World War and, like his father, was awarded the Military Cross.  On demobilization in 1947 he re-joined the pearl business and moved to Tokyo.

The Jerwood Foundation was established in 1977, initially making grants and benefactions in the fields of education and music.  The collection of modern art started with the acquisition of From My Window at Ditchling by Sir Frank Brangwyn RA, purchased to fill a space on the wall at the Foundation's original premises at Fitzroy Square.  

 Alan Grieve CBE was the legal adviser, confidante and friend of John Jerwood and was involved in his business and private affairs for more than 25 years.  Since 1991 he has devoted as substantial amount of his life to the Foundation.  Alan Grieve was aided and guided by his friend the late Sir Peter Wakefield in the early years of collecting.  Wakefield was the Director of the National Art Collections Fund, now The Art Fund, the charity that helps Museums and Galleries buy and show great works of Art.  He has assembled a striking collection of contemporary paintings for the Jerwood Foundation and yet remains self-effacing in his efforts saying that ‘all of the mistakes are mine and the successes are to be shared with all those who enjoy British Art’.

Situated between the shingle beach that is still used by the local fishing fleet and the steep cliffs of Hasting's West Hill, the Gallery’s most striking feature is the use of iridescent black tiles to clad the outside of the building.  These were hand glazed a few miles away by the local firm Robus Ceramics in Kent.  The Gallery uses the latest ground-source heating systems to keep the exhibition spaces at an even temperature and even employs an unique grey water system to harvest and re-use rainwater.  ‘Revealed’ is showing in the Foreshore Gallery and the remainder of the collection is displayed in seven other rooms spread over two floors.  The Jerwood Gallery was designed by HAT Projects and the building has won several architectural accolades including a National RIBA award.