u3a

Ravenshead

Arts App - Laura Knight

The Ru3a Arts Appreciation group met on Monday 7 April 2025 and were enthralled by the session on the renowned local artist Dame Laura Knight, given by group member Margaret Brook. The ninety-two years of Laura’s life were covered, with lots of interesting stories and anecdotes about her life and work. What a remarkable woman!

Laura Knight (nee Johnson) was one of the leading British painters of the twentieth century and she spent the majority of her childhood living in Nottingham, where she became a professional artist at the age of 14. She was the first woman in over a century to be accepted as a full member of the Royal Academy and was made a Dame in 1929.

Of course, verbal discussion alone could never do justice to this artist’s consummate skills and ability, so over 100 photos and pictures of Laura’s were reviewed during the session and a further YouTube clip played at the end as we enjoyed a cup of tea.

Laura Knight, February 1936, National Portrait Gallery

Image licensed to Ravenshead u3a for non-commercial use

Laura Knight portrait

'Ruby Loftus - Screwing a Breech Ring'

Imperial War Museum

This is a 1943 WW II production by Laura Knight

Image licensed for non-commercial use

Margaret told the group how thoroughly she had enjoyed researching Laura Knight and encouraged others to come forward to share their favourite artist. She kindly left us with numerous sources of reference which included some of the following: