In 1885, a group of young artists in London met to discuss their dissatisfaction with the Royal Academy of Arts' strict academic approach and stringent rules concerning acceptance into exhibitions. The following spring, these painters founded The New English Art Club and mounted their own show. Among the 50 exhibitors were John Singer Sargent, George Clausen, Frederick Brown and Stanhope Forbes.
The organization continues to thrive, and an exhibit of paintings by eight of its current members is on display in the University of the South Art Gallery in Sewanee Tenn. The show includes landscapes, still lifes and portraits by members who remain committed to the figurative tradition.
The founding members of The New English Art Club had studied and worked in Paris during the late 19th century. Impressionism had emerged and influenced them, yet they still embraced their traditional training. Their work became a blend of the two approaches -- departing from the strictly adhered-to academic style of members of the Royal Academy, led by Lord Frederic Leighton.
During the mid-20th century, however, the two organizations came closer in their philosophies, and often artists were members of both Royal Academy and New English.
Exhibiting in Sewanee are Thomas Coates, John Ward, Ken Howard, Benjamin Sullivan, Leslie Worth, Peter Brown, Michael Reynolds and Melissa Scott-Miller.
The show continues through April 10, but will be closed March 10-20 for spring break.
Benjamin Harvey, associate professor of art history at Mississippi State University, will give a free lecture about The New English Art Club on March 24 at 4:30 p.m. CDT.
The gallery, 68 Georgia Ave., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (all times Central). Call 931-598-1223.