Van Gogh & The Village
Hertfordshire Life|June 2018

Ahead of a Tate exhibition exploring Van Gogh’s links with Britain, India Paine charts a little known fact – the artist’s sister lived in Welwyn and Vincent walked 100 miles to visit.

Van Gogh & The Village

March 2019 will see the opening of a major exhibition at Tate Britain, bringing together the largest group of Van Gogh paintings shown in the UK for nearly a decade. Van Gogh and Britain will explore the links between the Dutch-born painter and this country and how it prompted him to discover new avenues in life and art.

If you didn’t know Vincent spent time in England, you will be more surprised that the Hertfordshire village of Welwyn plays a role in that story.

In 1873, aged 20, Vincent arrived in London from Holland. A junior clerk, he was transferred to the London offices of Hague based international art dealer Goupil and Cie (where his uncle was a partner in the firm). As with much of his life, it is through Vincent’s letters to his brother Theo that we learn of his impressions, namely that he thoroughly enjoyed the English way of life and the city.

He found lodgings in a suburban boarding house and began to explore the city and its surroundings, falling in love with the countryside and parks and walking for miles to explore them. He wrote to Theo:

The countryside here is magnificent, completely different from Holland or Belgium. Everywhere one sees splendid parks with tall trees and shrubs, where one is allowed to walk. (June 13, 1873).

Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain says the impact of this new country was profound on the artist: ‘His stay in Britain changed his vision of the world and himself, encouraging him to become an artist.’

Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HERTFORDSHIRE LIFESe alt
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020