“The Fitzwilliam is engaged in a staged programme of refurbishment of its galleries which provides an opportunity not only to refresh the displays but, just as importantly, to bring the fruits of new research and interpretations to bear on the understanding of our works. The beautiful new Impressionist gallery, one of the jewels of the Founder’s Building, achieves all of these aims in what is sure to be one of our most popular displays.” Dr Timothy Potts, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum, 2011

A number of art museums are either in the process of refurbishing their galleries or have just re-opened newly renovated galleries, and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England is one. In November last year Gallery 5, one of their more popular galleries, re-opened after an extensive make-over. This is the Fitzwilliams’ French Impressionists and other late 19th and early 20th century permanent exhibition. [Read more →]

Work at the same time on sky, water, branches, ground, keeping everything going on an equal basis. Don’t be afraid of putting on colour. Paint generously and unhesitatingly, for it is best not to lose the first impression. Camille Pissarro.

Giverny is rightfully a site of pilgrimage for fans of Claude Monet and Impressionism, but also for people who appreciate a wonderful garden. Monet’s garden and the famous water lily ponds he created on the River Epte in Giverny is the second most visited tourist attraction in Normandy. But few of these thousands of tourists know that not that far up-stream of Giverny is the town of Eragny-sur-Epte, where Camille Pissarro lived from 1884. [Read more →]