The Belle Époque Today: The Art of Mary Fedden, OBE, RA

Boxing Day
Mary Fedden
The Royal Academy

Bold shapes, deep colors, and organic forms characterize the work of Royal Academy member, Mary Fedden. She produces amazingly fluid abstract still lives and landscapes that put one in mind of the work of Matisse. In fact, much like Matisse, she often uses cut paper in her work for dimension.

Born in Bristol in 1915, Fedden studied at the Slade School of Fine Arts in London from 1932-1936. She returned to Bristol where she taught painting until World War II. After the war, she developed a new, personal style which she exhibits to this day.

Irish Lilies
Mary Fedden
The Royal Academy

Though her more recent works stem from a more limited color palette, Fedden relies heavily on brilliant, contrasting colors to create a sense of movement and weight. From her London Studio on the Thames in London, Fedden continues to produce her masterpieces. Her outstanding work earned her an honorary doctorate from The University of Bath, an honorary degree from The University of Durham and the prestigious Order of the British Empire.

Fedden prefers to paint in her studio. She does, however, sketch subjects when she’s out. This video gives you a glimpse into the working habits of this clever artist.

Person(s) of the Week: Pauline Collins and John Alderton

Each week, I’d like to take a moment to credit someone who not only contributes to awareness of the past, but also makes the present considerably more beautiful. Our first ever “Person of the Week” should actually read “People of the Week” since we’re taking notice of famous couple Pauline Collins and John Alderton. As I mentioned on Sunday, Miss Collins and Mr. Alderton were part of the cast of Upstairs, Downstairs during the first and second series of the show’s run. Pauline Collins played Sarah, the headstrong sometimes-parlor-maid whose desire for a more exciting life gave rise to no small amount of capriciousness and rash behavior. Miss Collins’ husband, John Alderton joined Upstairs, Downstairs later as Thomas Watkins, the Welsh chauffeur. Also in search of bigger and better things, Thomas was quick with a plan and always looking for new opportunities. Thomas and Sarah proved to be a perfect match for one another and though their relationship was often tested by their impetuosity, they always returned to one another. In 1979, their adventures were detailed in their own program, Thomas and Sarah which sadly ran for only one series despite the fact that a second series was commissioned.

Collins’ and Alderton’s work in both Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas and Sarah introduced a new generation of people to the life of the working class of the Edwardian Era. Their subtle performances and impeccable characterizations made the issues of that time period feel real and relevant to the viewers of the 1970’s. And, without a doubt, their stunning work made the modern day a lot more beautiful.

The couple met as young actors, having both appeared on the UK’s first medical drama, Emergency - Ward 10. Together they have starred in many programs. In addition to Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas and Sarah, they appeared in the sitcom No, Honestly and the anthology series Wodehouse Playhouse, among other projects.

Their contributions to the arts and to drama are many. So many, in fact, that in 2001, Miss Collins was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Upon receiving the honor, an overwhelmed and humbled Pauline Collins—modestly unaware of her impact on modern culture--remarked, “What’s it for?”

Many thanks to this remarkable couple for all their work, for keeping the spirit of our important past alive and for making the world considerably more enjoyable.

Thomas and Sarah image courtesy of The Upstairs, Downstairs Web Pages.
Collins and Alderton at OBE Ceremony image courtesy of BBC News.