'Sweet Williams'

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‘Sweet Williams’
Signed in Initials
Oil on Canvas 14″ x 18″

Enid R. Hay
British fl.1888 – 1890

Enid R. Hay was a late 19th and early 20th century painter of still-life and flowers, living in Cheshire, she was married to the artist James Hamilton Hay.

Enid R. Hay’s habitual choice of wonderful subject matter and composition is clearly illustrated in her painting Sweet Williams. The arrangement of the flowers in the bowl and jug is exquisite, with random stems and petals strewn across the table. The use of reflection is particularly effective, giving balance to the study and set against a darker plain background, the arrangement is given a rounded three-dimensional feeling. There was a revival in interest in chinoiserie at the turn of the century, with many pieces gracing the elegant homes of the era, so it is very apt that Enid Hay has chosen to display the flowers in two such pieces. Enid R. Hay’s fluid brushwork, faithful use of colour has produced a most charming and unique floral study.

As with most female artists, few of whom painted for commercial gain, Enid Hay painted for pleasure, but she also gained artistic recognition, by having some of her works exhibited in Liverpool, at the Walker Art Gallery, in London at the London Salon and the Baillie Gallery, rubbing shoulders with famous artist of the day including Francis Cadell, John Lavery and Reginald Frampton.

© Sutcliffe Galleries 2017


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