Painting owned by gallery isgiven star billing in Madrid

AN iconic modernist self-portrait which belongs to a Hull gallery is proving a star attraction at an exhibition in Madrid.

The oil painting Mr Wyndham Lewis as a Tyro, by Wyndham Lewis, was bought by the Ferens in 1978 and is now a centrepiece of the first comprehensive exhibition of Lewis’s work in more than 25 years.

The painting, which was completed in 1921, is also being used to front all publicity for the show, which is hosted by Fundacion Juan March.

Lewis was one of the key figures in the international modernist movement of the first half of the 20th century as a painter, novelist and intellectual.

British art of this period is relatively little-known in comparison with German, Italian and French avant-garde art of the period, and the exhibition aims to raise awareness of it among Spanish and international audiences.

Other UK lenders include the National Galleries of Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery, Manchester City Art Gallery and The British Museum.

Kirsten Simister, curator of art at the Ferens, said: “By lending this work to the Madrid exhibition we continue to ensure an international audience for Hull’s collections as well as securing inclusion in the latest research.

“The fact that the picture is being used to publicise the exhibition demonstrates both the quality of our collection and the importance of this particular work in the context of early 20th century British art.”

The exhibition opened earlier this month and will run until May 16.

The portrait is normally displayed at the Ferens as part of the semi-permanent collection in the balcony gallery on the first floor.

Fundacion Juan March is a private foundation established in 1955 dedicated to cultural and scientific activities.