The Hickman Bacon Collection – some 400 works in total, in superb condition – is probably the most important collection of English watercolours in private hands. It reflects the personal taste of Sir Hickman Bacon, Bt, who put it together in a period of only about 20 years from 1895. As Eric Shanes wrote, ‘his taste was mainly for evanescent and impressionistic effects’ and thus ‘the collection is especially strong in the type of late, ethereal Turner watercolour that became widely popular only with the advent of abstract painting in the 1940s and 1950s.’ The Society is privileged to have been invited to a private viewing of a selection of gems from the collection.
Entrance is free, but numbers are restricted and early booking is recommended. Members will need to travel independently to Raveningham (Beccles station is 3 miles distant and Norwich station 12 miles) and we shall gather at the Hall at noon. A light lunch in the tearoom may be ordered in advance (£10 on the day) or members are welcome to picnic in the grounds.
Please apply with SAE to Margaret O’Neill (see above) to reserve a place and to receive further details.