Marylebone is the pleasant departure-point if you’re taking the train to Aylesbury from London, and what better way to spend a spring day than an outing to the gentle Buckinghamshire countryside to see a celebration of its merits by fine artists. Upstairs at the Bucking-hamshire County Museum, near St Mary’s Church, is an excellent small exhibition of pictures and sculptures by artists who lived and worked locally in the 1920s and 30s. The principal exhibitors are John and Paul Nash, Clare Leighton, Eric Gill and David Jones. Their work offers a richly textured display of art and craftsmanship, a deeply heartening affirmation of the still considerable glories of our countryside. Well worth seeing, in sunlight or in rain.
The exhibition’s timeframe is bracketed by two world wars, and it thus seems just about appropriate for carnage to be the introduction to pastoral benevolence. The visitor is greeted by John Nash’s immensely striking war painting and early masterpiece, ‘Over the Top’, a depiction by one of its participants of the 1st Artists’ Rifles going into action at Marcoing on 30 December 1917, trudging desperately through the snow.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in