Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, UK, is showing Glyn Philpot: Flesh and Spirit, the first comprehensive exhibition of works by the British painter of the same name in almost 40 years. In more than 80 paintings, drawings and sculptures, the show, starting May 14, traces Philpots's (1884-1937) development from his Edwardian society portraits to his turn to a radical modernist style in the 1930s. On display for this purpose are his portraits of actors, dancers, poets, society hostesses, male lovers, and friends. Philpot's sitters included the »Who is Who« of British society at the time: from glamorous duchesses like Loelia, Duchess of Westminster, to writers like Siegfried Sassoon.
In addition to these portraits, Philpot is also recognized for his paintings, sculptures, and drawings of unknown black people. This exhibition therefore highlights his important contribution to the subtle portrayal of black sitters between the 1910s and 1930s, as well as his engagement with queer and religious themes. The focus is on the extent to which these portraits relate to a broader dialogue about identity and representation in modern art. Glyn Philpot: Flesh and Spirit is on view at Pallant House Gallery through October 23, 2022.
