Frolicking with the Flower Fairies
A new exhibition at Mottisfont Abbey, a Grade I listed 12th-century former priory near Romsey, in Hampshire, looks to tell the story behind these curious little watercolours. Born into a middle class family in 1895, Barker took correspondence courses in art before studying and then teaching at the Croydon School of Art.
Though she had some success in earlier years, Barker’s career took off with the publication of The Flower Fairies of the Spring in 1923. Fairies were a popular theme in the early 2th century, following the publication of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Coming of the Fairies, and JM Barrie’s children’s classic Peter Pan. Barker’s illustrations show an innocent world, far removed from the horrors of the Great War and the Depression.
Though the Fairies made her name, in later life Barker became increasingly devoted to religious works, reflecting a fear that she had neglected her Christianity.
Displayed alongside a selection of 3 of the fairy illustrations – the largest showing of them in Britain – will be a collection of contemporary art that explores similar themes of imagination and mystery. Among the other artists featured will be Sir Peter Blake, who designed the album art for the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. There will also be a “Mottisfont Enigma” tour of the house’s grounds.
Related Articles
- Enchanted Garden: Flower Fairies and Dark Tales runs until Oct 2. The exhibition is part of the Trust New Art scheme. For tickets, visit
Similar Posts:
- Touch of Whimsical Imagination makes Secret Nightstand
- Exhibition on the .03 chair
- Freedom Autumn 2011
- Hypnotizing Light Show in Prague
- Is The Memory Foam Mattress Too Hot For Summer?
Place your comment