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Letters to Gwen John

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Letters to Gwen John

By: Celia Paul
Narrated by: Rachel Bavidge
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A unique combination of memoir and artistic biography, interspersed with original artworks, from the acclaimed artist and author of Self-Portrait.

We are both painters. We can connect to each other through images, in our own unvoiced language. But I will try and reach you with words. Through talking to you, I may come alive and begin to speak.

Celia Paul has felt a lifelong connection to the artist Gwen John. There are extraordinary parallels in their lives and work. Both have always made art on their own terms. Both were involved with older male artists. Both worked hard to keep themselves and the sacred flame of their creativity from being extinguished by others.

Letters to Gwen John is Paul's imagined correspondence with Gwen John, whose life and work have loomed so large in hers. These intimate, passionate, haunting letters allow Paul to reach across eras, to weigh up the sacrifices she has made, and to explore the rich possibilities of a life apart. With illuminating insights into the life and work of Gwen John, Letters to Gwen John is a unique form of memoir and conversation, and an unforgettable insight into a life devoted to making art.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Celia Paul (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Art Artists, Architects & Photographers Letters & Correspondence
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What listeners say about Letters to Gwen John

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Loved it!!!

Fascinating read.

Eerie in parts with a fascinating depth of connection and clear bond to Gwens own life and experiences.
A unique natural ability to capture the intended.

One could almost feel Gwens presence within the words of the book …… mysteriously wonderful.

Brought tears as I myself relate to the need for solitude, stillness, space and quiet.

Left me feeling deep in thought about much and wanting more !

Brilliant!!

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You won’t be disappointed. If you liked Celia Paul’s first book the continue with this.

It was a joy to listen to these honest and thoughtful reflections by Celia Paul. Like Gwen John she treasures her own space; steering clear of material distractions. She notices and shares delight in art and life with all the highs and lows. Highly recommend.

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Otherworldly, intimate and in a format of sheer genius

Sheer genius is Celia Paul’s choice of structure: letters addressed to a peer from an earlier generation; a role model she had never met, yet has shared an almost parallel existence with. Simply beautifully written, evocative yet never platitudinal as fan letters tend to be. Fascinating detail on Lucien Freud and Auguste Rodin, the lovers of both artists, help contextualise these otherworldly letters.

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Quite a dull listen

I was hoping for so much more, sadly the monotonous voice which stayed so calm throughout enhanced the lack of emotion giving it a dreary quality.

My interest in Gwen John would have been better spent reading a straight biography. As an artist myself the painting of works was of particular interest, however it was more about the writer (an artist I admire) than her subject. I wish I had spent my credit on something else - I do feel a bit annoyed as I can't get a refund here. The reviews were misleading. Grab a Gwen John bio or monograph & go see her work instead.

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