The East London Group Then and Now – Panel Discussion

In 1930 The Times stated “Our highest hopes for the future of English painting are centred in the members of the East London Group…No other exhibition or society has been able to show us anything like so good a collection of paintings by the younger generation”.
With such high praise then and a growing reputation now, what role did this curious group of East End artists play in their heyday and what impact can they have on an audience of today?
Chaired by Michael Rosen, co-curator of the Nunnery Gallery’s current East London Group exhibition, special guests will discuss the Group’s importance then and now surrounded by their evocative paintings.
Panel Members: David Buckman, author of the seminal work on the East London Group From Bow to Biennale; Louise Raw, historian; and Maxima Smith, artist behind one of the exhibition’s public artworks.
Michael Rosen is an award-winning writer, performance poet and broadcaster. He is a former Children’s Laureate, Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London and presents BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme about language, Word of Mouth. For BBC World Service Michael has presented several programmes about art and architecture, including programmes on LeCorbusier, Anthony Caro, David Nash and Paul Gaugin.
David Buckman first published the celebrated From Bow to Biennale: Artists of the East London Group in 2012, the first study of this important Group of artists based on correspondence and interviews with the last, now-deceased Group members plus primary and secondary archival research over many years. David Buckman has been a journalist and author for over 40 years; other titles include Artists in Britain since 1945.
Dr Louise Raw is a historian, writer, and founder of the annual London Matchwomen’s Festival. She contributes to television and radio shows, including a regular slot on ‘Lost London Lives’ for BBC Radio London. Her PhD and book ‘Striking a Light’ focus on the 1888 Bryant & May Matchwomen’s Strike and its often-overlooked importance to British History. Louise is currently working to provide permanent memorials to the Matchwomen, and other overlooked East London women.   
Maxima Smith’s new public artwork ‘Ode to a Window Cleaner’ can be seen at Queen Mary University London until the end of the exhibition.
Book tickets here – Doors open 6pm, panel begins at 7pm and will last roughly an hour.
IMAGE: Fireman paints his own rescue, All Courtesy the artist’s family © A.E.Turpin Estate, 2017