Join author Rebecca Birrell in the Feminist School of Painting for an open discussion on the concepts from her first book, This Dark Country: Women Artists, Still Life and Intimacy in the Early Twentieth Century. Dr Birrell will be joined by artist Elizabeth ‘Lillibet’ Langley who will teach an introduction to Still Life Painting workshop, where you can get creative to explore ideas and subjects relating to feminist theory.
All experience levels are welcome, including anyone who hasn’t painted before. The painting sessions are modest and informal, with gentle guidance offered. Participants will be provided with paints, brushes and paper, although you’re welcome to bring your own.
Inspired by Ad Minoliti’s belief in the belief of the importance of the activity of painting and embracing the ‘Happy Accident’ the sessions are intended to provide space to freely engage in a thoughtful activity with others.
Dr Rebecca Birrell has occupied curatorial positions at the Jewish Museum London, The Department of Prints and Drawing at The British Museum and at The Charleston Trust. In 2018 she undertook a fellowship at the Yale Center for British Art. While finishing her PhD at the Edinburgh College of Art, she worked on the photographic archive at The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust. She is a Curator in the Department of Paintings, Drawings and Printsat the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge.
Her first book, This Dark Country: Women Artists, Still Life and Intimacy in the Early Twentieth Century, a blend of collective biography and art criticism, was published by Bloomsbury in August 2021.
Elizabeth/Lillibet (b.1998 London) is an artist living in Cornwall with a studio at CAST, Helston. Specialising in oils, Elizabeth is fixated on childhood and the inevitable struggles of growing up, using earlier paintings as part of a process of self-healing. While previously using personal imagery or objects as references, she now uses an ever-building collection of unusual found photos, cinematic, and literary sources. Her works have a foreboding yet often satirical edge; as she extinguishes the candle on customarily happy memories.
Tate St Ives is located on Porthmeor Beach. There is a ramp up to the gallery entrance alongside stairs with a handrail.
There are lifts to all Levels of the gallery, or alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Accessible and standard toilets are on Level 3, next to Gallery 6.
- A Changing Places toilet is on Level 3, next to Gallery 1.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the information desk.
To help plan your visit to Tate St Ives, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery
