5. RB Kitaj at The Jewish Museum
It’s a tragic tale, that of Kitaj and the loss of his adored wife, an episode he never recovered from. She died suddenly not long after a retrospective of his work at the Tate in 1994, a show that was supremely slammed by the critics, with Kitaj blaming the harsh critics for his wife’s death.
The trauma resulted in him leaving the UK to settle in LA and many say the episode resulted in his subsequent suicide in 2007. But R B Kitaj is one of the most significant painters of the post-war period. His work defied the trend in abstract art prevalent in the 1960s and brought him to the forefront of British figurative painting.
The Jewish Museum is showing of a selection of work from the major retrospective R B Kitaj: Obsessions, currently displayed at the Jewish Museum Berlin. The exhibition features over 20 works in which Kitaj explored his Jewish identity. 129 Albert Street NW1. Until June 16th.
Next: Pancake up your weekend breakfast
4 thoughts on “Pinboard: Local art special, plus where is K-Town’s club – and a terrace for The Grafton?”
I have lived on Grafton Road for over 15 years and it fills me with joy to see The Grafton buzzing with people many of whom wear trousers just a liitle too short and facial hair. I am in favour of public use of the terrace as it will offer a marvellous place to people watch and hang out. I can see why the council object to this usage, indeed can you name another pub with a similar terrace that is open to drinkers ? The Carlton further up Grafton Road is now flats and does have a usable terrace, but then again its private not public. The Lock Tavern has a big upstairs terrace but it is “hidden” . So I can see the planners sticking to their guns. That being said I have had tangled with the planning department before and in my experience they do listen. Then again these are the folk responsible for agreeing to that beast of a building being constructed next to KT West Station.
Maybe as a compromise suggest the terrace is open for 15 weeks in the year, or only when its sunny or that it must close at 10.00.
Hi neighbour, thanks for your words of support! We’re hoping our views will be taken on board by planning through the appeal process. We’ve only asked for a license for the area up until 9.30pm as we thought that might minimise any potential disturbance. Great suggestion re. only opening for a certain no of weeks per year. We’d prefer it didn’t come to that but if a further compromise is needed that’s a cracking suggestion.
I completely support this as a new resident of POW road, the Grafton is an absolutely cracking pub with a fantastic atmosphere (and beers to boot). A (well-managed) terrace would add another dimension and much needed open space for the area.
Totally support this too, looking forward to a calm drink on the terrace basking in the sun