Wilhelmina Barns-Graham

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Location

Tate St Ives, St Ives

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Dates

Sat 24th October, 2026 — Mon 3rd May, 2027

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About this event

Enter the colourful world of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, one of Britain’s most significant 20th century artists

This major retrospective exhibition is the first to chart the full length of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s incredible career, covering eight decades.

One of the most innovative British artists of the 20th century, Barns-Graham communicated her physical, emotional and spiritual responses to the world around her through her work. This was particularly true of her deep connection with the landscapes of Cornwall, Scotland and continental Europe. She carved out a vibrant style of abstract painting known for its energetic rhythms and bold colour.

Featuring over 170 paintings, drawings, prints and archive materials, the exhibition will trace Barns-Graham’s development from her student days at the Edinburgh College of Art and early years in St Ives, where she found her place in a lively community of painters and sculptors, through to her later years working between Cornwall and Scotland. It concludes with paintings from her Scorpio series, created in her final two decades. She described her work from this time as a celebration of life, and of joy.

Supported by the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Exhibition Supporters Circle and Tate Members. This exhibition organised by Tate St Ives in collaboration with the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust.

Image: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Glacier Crystal, Grindelwald, 1950 © Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust.

Contact

01736 796 226 | https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-st-ives/wilhelmina-barns-graham

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