David Wainwright (1) (1929–1998)

A large book measuring 12” x 9.75”, with 160 pages, ISBN 1870758021, published 1989, reprinted 1991. The text, in seven chapters, chronicles Henry Scott Tuke’s life and career, starting from his birth and family background. It is well researched, detailed and informative, and in addition to following his development, it provides details such as the fees he was paid for some paintings, his travels and companions, and names and details of many of his models. We get a good impression of the sort of person he was too; likeable, friendly and respected, especially by those who worked with him.

The book also includes and article from the Studio, vol 3 1894, by the artist; a couple of poems by Horatio Brown, and a sonnet by Tuke. There are notes on sources but no bibliography.

The book is well illustrated with 143 pictures, 87 of them in full colour. The black and white pictures include many period photographs of the artist (one of them when he was fourteen), his friends and his models. Some of the paintings are also reproduced in black and white, of these many are of unknown whereabouts and others in private collections; but we must not complain for it seems we are fortunate to have them at all. However the majority of the paintings are reproduced in full colour, and mostly half or full page size. The range of Tuke’s work is represented including portraits, nautical paintings, and of course many of his famous bathers paintings. The works are predominately in oils, but there are also watercolours, pastels and a few preliminary sketches.

It is a well produced and presented book, the reproduction of the paintings does seem a little muted, but I am not in a position to determine how accurate that is; yet the pictures look good, and the flesh tones in the bathers paintings are remarkable… (mehr)