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The Poringland Oak, c. 1818-20, by John Crome, oil on canvas, Photo © Tate
A Passion for Landscape: Rediscovering John Crome The exhibition A Passion for Landscape: Rediscovering John Crome
his letters still exist. There has been little research and no new
celebrates the work of one of Britain’s great Romantic artists, on
monographs published for some 50 years. Prior to the
the bicentenary of his death in 1821. Already open at Norwich
exhibition in 1968, held at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Museum & Art Gallery, it runs until September 5th.
to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, the last
John Crome (1768-1821) grew up in Norwich. The son of a
exhibition of any note was at Norwich Gallery in 1921.
journeyman weaver, he received no formal artistic training,
This new exhibition features approximately 90 works including
learning to paint and mix colours through an apprenticeship as
paintings, watercolours and etchings, all of which demonstrate
a coach and sign painter. As an artist and teacher, he was held in
Crome’s proficiency and skill in varied media. Alongside
great esteem, and his reputation soon stretched beyond the
Norwich Castle’s own pre-eminent collection of works by John
confines of East Anglia. He exhibited at London’s Royal Academy
Crome, the exhibition will present loans from private and public
and the British Institution and founded the first art society in
collections, including from Tate, the V&A, Fitzwilliam Museum
Britain outside the capital, the Norwich School of Artists, which
and Manchester City Galleries. These are presented in six
later became internationally known as the Norwich School
distinctive categories: Early Days, Pupils and Patrons, City Life,
of Painting.
Quiet Corners, Coast and Light and Air, and seek to show all
Today John Crome remains an enigma. He never signed his oil paintings, there are no surviving sketchbooks and very few of
aspects of his work and inspiration. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
