Barns-Graham, Wilhelmina (1912–2004)
Barns-Graham, Wilhelmina (1912–2004)
Scottish painter. Name variations: Willie Barnes-Graham. Born June 8, 1912, in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland; died Jan 26, 2004; attended Edinburgh College of Art, 1932–37; m. David Lewis (writer), 1949 (div. 1960s).
Widely-regarded as one of most popular abstract painters in Scotland, moved to Cornwall upon graduation from college and became a founding member of the Penwith Society of Arts, working with Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth; traveled widely throughout Europe; joined St. Ives Group, a younger group of artists which included Roger Hilton and writer David Lewis, who would become husband (1949); taught at Leeds School of Art (1956–57) and in London (1960–63); worked initially in figurative tradition but embraced abstraction (1960s–70s), with square becoming dominant motif; returned to live and work in St. Andrews (1973); revitalized career with survey exhibition St. Ives 1939–64 at Tate Gallery in London (1985); returned later to direct painting, particularly large watercolors and gouaches in brilliant color; had many highly acclaimed shows, including retrospective (1989–90) and W Barns-Graham at 80 (1992–93) as well as 3 exhibitions with Art First (1995, 1997, 1999); included in public collections throughout UK, including Scottish National Galley of Modern Art, Arts Council of Great Britain, British Museum, Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum; painted well into late 80s, living in St. Ives. Named Commander of British Empire (CBE, 2001).