Unsung

This exhibition takes a dip into the vast reservoir of undiscovered, underappreciated and undervalued talent that permeates the footnotes of 20th century British art history. Each gallery was asked to nominate a 20th century artist whose work they felt had been overlooked by either art history, the art market, or both. We have limited the selection to artists of the past but have included some older generation living artists where a historical perspective could be made. 

The significant role dealers have played in the discovery and revival of interest in artists of the past has itself been often overlooked but is indisputable. The biographical notes in the online catalogue provide some context for their selections. 

The artworks shown reflect as many ways as possible in which an artist could qualify as being underrated or unsung, from a totally new discovery or previously unknown estate to an artist who is well recorded but has somehow slipped under the radar. 

Numerous artists seemed to miss the boat because they focussed more on a reliable income from teaching. Many found they were eclipsed by their partners or were sidelined because of their gender. Some remained in Wales or Scotland, remote from London’s controlling influence.Others diversified too much in the media they worked in or were out of step with fashion. Every artist tells a different story.