Artist
Born in Hampstead, United Kingdom
Early Life and Education
Born: Doris Margaret Shaw, 21 April 1890, Hampstead, United Kingdom
Died: 31 July 1972
Nationality: English
Her father was a ship's doctor and her mother a former art student.
The family moved to Tavistock, Cornwall in 1907.
She enrolled at the School of Painting run by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes in Newlyn at age 15.
Met Laura Knight, who became a lifelong friend and influence.
Studied at Atelier Colarossi in Paris alongside Ernest Procter.
Artistic Development and Influences
Influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements.
Mentored by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes.
Inspired by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.
Developed a distinctive style characterized by sensual portraits of women and Cornish landscapes.
Early works included illustrated "Nature Notes" sent to her father at sea.
Major Works and Achievements
Morning (1927): Her most famous work, a portrait of a fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation and was bought by the Daily Mail for the Tate Gallery.
Early Morning: A smaller version of "Morning" held by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
Series of simplified, monumental images of young women (c. 1922).
Commissioned to decorate the Kokine Palace in Rangoon with her husband Ernest Procter.
Exhibited at the Royal Academy on numerous occasions.
Awarded "Picture of the Year" at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1927 for “Morning”.
Later Life and Legacy
After Ernest's death in 1935, she travelled extensively to the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Africa.
Became President of St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in 1966.
Member of several artists organizations including the Newlyn School.
Buried next to her husband at St Hilary Church, Cornwall.
Her work is recognized for its evocative portrayal of Cornish life and its contribution to early twentieth-century British art.
Historical Significance
A prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists.
Known for her unique vision and style that captured a sense of modernity.
Her portrait "Morning" is considered a significant work of 20th-century British art, praised for its “sensuous but sombre style” and depiction of Cornish light.
Contributed to the development of portraiture in Britain during the early 20th century.
Museum
On show in Hastings, United Kingdom
A Coastal Sanctuary of British Modernism
Nestled where the rugged cliffs of East Sussex meet the rhythmic pulse of the English Channel, Hastings Contemporary stands as a breathtaking testament to the enduring power of British creativity. Once known as the Jerwood Gallery, this institution has evolved from a private philanthropic endeavor into a vital, independent beacon for contemporary art. To step inside is to enter a dialogue between the wild, salt-sprayed landscape of the Hastings coast and the sophisticated nuances of modern aesthetic thought. The museum does not merely display art; it breathes with the sea, offering a sanctuary where the horizon line of the ocean meets the infinite possibilities of the canvas.
The architectural presence of the gallery is nothing short of sculptural. Designed by the visionary minds at HAT Projects, the building’s striking curvilinear form acts as a modern landmark against the historic backdrop of the Hastings Stade. Its sweeping lines mirror the ebb and flow of the tides, creating a seamless transition between the built environment and the natural world. For the interior designer or the lover of fine architecture, the space offers a masterclass in light and volume. Large, panoramic windows invite the shifting coastal light to dance across the gallery floors, ensuring that the atmosphere within is as dynamic and ever-changing as the weather over the North Sea.
Masterworks and Symbolic Narratives
The soul of the museum resides in its curated collection, a profound assembly of Modern and Contemporary British Art that speaks to both the visceral and the cerebral. Visitors are often captivated by the evocative landscapes of Julian Trevelyan, whose works like
“Boat Race”
capture a hauntingly beautiful connection to the maritime spirit. The collection serves as a bridge between eras, showcasing the raw energy of L.S. Lowry alongside the intricate, psychological depths found in the surrealist explorations of Mick Rooney. In pieces such as
“The Truant Man”
diptych, one finds a meticulous attention to detail that invites deep contemplation, revealing how art can transcend literal representation to touch upon the very essence of human experience.
Beyond the permanent holdings, the museum is celebrated for its dynamic programming and its ability to foster contemporary discourse. The gallery’s history is marked by transformative moments, such as its 2019 rebranding, which solidified its identity as a fiercely independent institution. Recent exhibitions have pushed boundaries, ranging from intimate portraiture to large-scale installations that challenge our perceptions of space and identity. Whether it is the whimsical presence of Sir Quentin Blake’s drawings or the bold, contemporary strokes of international practitioners, the museum remains a vital stage for artists to present works that are both challenging and deeply rewarding.
An Immersive Artistic Experience
For the collector and the art enthusiast, Hastings Contemporary offers more than a mere viewing; it offers an immersion into a lifestyle of aesthetic appreciation. The experience extends beyond the exhibition rooms to the
coquina
restaurant, where Mediterranean-inspired flavors meet panoramic sea views, allowing for a moment of quiet reflection after engaging with complex artworks. This holistic approach—blending fine art, architectural brilliance, and sensory delight—makes the museum a destination of unparalleled prestige.
The institution continues to thrive through its commitment to community engagement, offering everything from clay portraiture workshops to summer family days that celebrate the local fishing heritage. It is this unique intersection of high art and coastal tradition that defines Hastings Contemporary. It remains a place where the legacy of British Modernism is not just preserved in frames, but actively reimagined, inspiring wonder in every visitor who wanders through its light-filled halls.
