THE TEAM at Charlecote Park are celebrating as two paintings by the late Edmund Fairfax-Lucy are now on display to visitors.
The National Trust property near Stratford has been home to the Lucy family for over 900 years. The current generation still live in one side of the house, while five of the ground floor rooms are opened to the public daily.
The paintings were commissioned by the National Trust and show Charlecote, Edmund’s family home.
Still Life of a Mantlepiece and Mirror with Roses in a Jug is a study of afternoon light in early spring. Edmund worked on it for seven years, setting it aside each year when the seasons progressed until the following spring.
Interior in a Corridor with Guitar reflects Edmund’s passion for Dutch art from the 1600s. We glimpse a brightly-lit room but are left curious as to what is around the corner.
Edmund passed away in 2020 before he could complete the works. His family and the team at Charlecote were keen for his creative legacy to be enjoyed by visitors and have now hung the unfinished paintings in the Drawing Room to honour Edmund’s intentions.
General Manager Rebecca Watson said: “It’s wonderful to see the paintings in place. We’re so proud to have displayed the paintings in the way Edmund intended. There’s something very personal about a member of the historic family creating something specifically for Charlecote and it feels fitting that these paintings are now on display in the house, as a significant part of its history and collection.”
Rebecca Harvey, Cultural Heritage Curator, has been assisting with the display and cataloging of the paintings.
She said: “Edmund’s career spanned 50 years, and during that time he often painted the landscape around his home at Charlecote Park.
“Trained at the City & Guilds of London Art School and the Royal Academy Schools, Edmund was particularly known for painting interiors as well as flowers, still life, and landscapes.”
When previously interviewed about his creative process Edmund said: “When you rise in the morning, the first sight of your picture is the most important one. Morning light is the best in which we assess colour. If it looks good then, it will likely survive in other conditions.”
More of Edmund’s work can be seen at other National Trust properties such as Belton, Blickling and Castle Coole.
