CAPTURING A MOMENT: THE ART OF JEAN FLETCHER
CAPTURING A MOMENT: THE ART OF JEAN FLETCHER
A new exhibition is opening in Wimbledon this month showcasing the work of acclaimed local artist Jean Fletcher. We find out more about her, and how Jean also inspired her daughter Jo Holdsworth’s successful career as an artist…
‘Beautiful Moments’, coming to Ad Lib Gallery in Wimbledon Village in March, features over 50 works by Richmond-based artist Jean Fletcher. This major solo show includes magnificent landscapes of the UK as well as Italy, France, and Majorca. The works also include paintings of dancers, families on beaches and other wonderfully observed paintings of figures, reflecting Jean’s detailed study of the human form. There are local scenes too in this beautiful and uplifting collection.
Classically trained in Manchester and London, Jean has exhibited widely and has been represented by some well-known galleries throughout her career, including the Francis Kyle Gallery in Mayfair founded in 1978 by Francis Kyle, and Hicks Gallery in Wimbledon. Her paintings can be found in private collections around the world, including that of a Hollywood actor.
Jean’s paintings of Venice are particularly evocative. Her daughter, top south west London artist Jo Holdsworth, reflects that Jean has always loved to travel, teaching art in Cape Town and then travelling a great deal not only in Europe, but further afield to India, Costa Rica and elsewhere, always taking her paints and paint brushes along with her. France is a particular favourite for Jean, and many of the paintings in the show reflect this, including paintings of figures on the beaches of St Tropez and of chateaux in France.
Images: Hillside, France; Venice Reflections; View, Richmond Hill
Top image: Richmond Bridge, Summer. All are paintings by Jean Fletcher.
Jean began her career in South Manchester, moving to Richmond-upon-Thames over 25 years ago. She has regularly painted from life, setting up her paints on the beach, in the countryside in Cheshire and later along the banks of the River Thames. Says Jo: “I just love my mother’s ability to convey a strong sense of place and beautiful moments in such a vivid way. To me art was a magical world growing up. My mother’s paintings have always been part of that evocative journey. They tell a story and have a vibrancy and expressiveness that I can really relate to.
“My mother’s work and her passion for art have inspired my own personal journey. She has been a huge role model for me throughout her painting career, and her love and support have encouraged me throughout my life to be brave and follow my dreams.”
Beautiful Moments, a solo exhibition of paintings by Jean Fletcher runs from 16 to 26 March at Ad Lib Gallery in Wimbledon Village with a percentage of all sales in the exhibition being donated by the artist to Parkinson’s UK.
