2018/53

In the Seven Woods, 19,

Folk Late, Folklore and Magic

Dave Pearson (Artist)

This graphite drawing forms one of a series of six by artist Dave Pearson, collectively entitled 'In the Seven Woods' and developed from Pearson’s ‘English Calendar Customs’ series of the previous decade (1970s). These drawings were inspired by the Abbot’s Bromley Horn Dance and the associated imagery attached to this Folk tradition, including the use of hobby horses, the Fool’s Bladder, and horned dancers. This dark image features approximately 13 figures, many of which are barely visible. The figure in the bottom right of the frame and that in the bottom centre, facing down with arms outstretched, both have antlers. Three figures to the right of the frame are holding Fool's Bladders. The figure towards the centre-left of the frame is wearing a Hobby Horse.

One framed drawing, graphite. Good condition

Letter, Sarah Philp to Naomi Lebens, 17 October 2018 – ‘Dear Naomi Lebens // Gift of artworks: Dave Pearson Five drawings from In the Seven Woods series // Further to our recent correspondence, we are delighted that you would like to accept the works referred to above. // The gift is subject to our terms and conditions which are printed on the back of the enclosed contracts. I also enclose a note setting out some of the key points of these terms, together with named Art Fund contacts for further enquiries, for circulation amongst your colleagues. // As soon as you have taken receipt of the works at the museum, please could you arrange for both copies of the contract to be signed and return one hard copy to me, retaining the duplicate for your own records. // At the same time, I would be grateful to receive: // * The accession number for the works. // * An insurance value for the works (so that we may keep a record of the value of items placed by way of a gift or bequest) // * A high-res digital image of the works. // I would be grateful to receive the above by 17 November 2018. Do let me know if this deadline presents a problem. // You will note clause 5 of the terms and conditions regarding evaluation of selected acquisitions and I can confirm you will not be required to complete an evaluation in this instance. // We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch. // With very best wishes // Sarah Philp // Director of Programme and Policy’, Grant agreement, Art Fund, 16 November 2018 – ‘GIFTS AND BEQUESTS OF WORKS OF ART // AGREEMENT TO GRANT CONDITIONS // […] // We confirm receipt of the following item presented as a gift through the National Art Collections Fund (hereinafter referred to as “the Art Fund”). We confirm that we will, in consideration of the gift, comply with the conditions set out overleaf // Name of Recipient and Institution: University of Reading for Museum of English Rural Life // Name of Work: Dave Pearson Five [crossed-through] Six drawings from In the Seven Woods series // c. 1973-1983 // Graphite on paper // 55 x 75cm each // Name of Donor: Anonymous donor through The Dave Pearson Trust // Special Conditions: label / associated literature to read ‘Presented by an anonymous donor through The Dave Pearson Trust with Art Fund support // Signed by a duly authorised officer of the Beneficiary: // Name: NAOMI LEBENS // Position: CURATOR OF ART COLLECTIONS // Date: 16.11.18’, Museum Object Entry Form – ‘MUSEUM NAME: The MERL // […] // DESCRIPTION OF OBJECT/COLLECTION: 6 Framed Drawings by Dave Pearson // - 709, In the 7 woods 21 // - 706, In the 7 woods 18 // - 707, In the 7 woods 19 // - 708, In the 7 woods 20 // - 655, In the 7 woods 16 // - 656, In the 7 woods 17 // REASON FOR ENTRY: Gift // […] // Date 14.11.18’, Condition statement – ‘OBJECT DETAILS: DIMENSIONS (cm): 63.5 (h) x 83 (w) // TITLE/SUBJECT: 707 – In the 7 woods 19 // OBJECT TYPE: Drawing // ARTIST/MAKER: Dave Pearson // MATERIALS: Graphite // NUMBER OF PARTS: 1 // GENERAL CONDITION STATEMENT: Good condition, slight scratch right frame (front). // PACKING AND UNPACKING (ALWAYS REFER TO ANY PACKING NOTES PROVIDED): Bubble wrap & Blanket // NAME: N. Lebens // DATE: 14.11.18, Website: dspearson, Calendar Customs & Seven Woods, 2018 – ‘Following Pearson’s immersion in the Book of Revelation series he moved on to working on the English Calendar Customs series, which he started in 1973 and worked on for several years. This work involved a lot of detailed research and he filled 14 notebooks, each for a particular period of the year, with detailed writings and pen and ink drawings from the books he was reading. // In 1981 Pearson started a series which clearly grew out of his interest in English Calendar Customs – In the Seven Woods – inspired by the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, and which explored, in large series of pencil drawings, pastels, card relief paintings and prints, the imagery associated with the dance such as horned dancers, hobby horse, and woods. There is a dark and haunting quality to many of these works, with hints of mortality, and this was a period during which he lost both his father Sam (1978) and mother Anne (1983).’

Lancashire

1980-12-31 - 1983-12-31

Late-twentieth century

Presented by an anonymous donor through The Dave Pearson Trust with Art Fund Support