This summer, Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery will host an exhibition celebrating Tess Jaray’s illustrious 60-year career with a showcase of 21 paintings and works on paper.
Renowned as one of the most influential British painters of the last century, Jaray’s exploration of form and space within abstract painting has continually evolved, influenced by Italian Renaissance and Islamic architecture, pattern, repetition, and color.
Exploring Form and Space
For more than six decades, Tess Jaray has been dedicated to abstract painting, a pursuit that has seen her delve deeply into the interplay of form and space. Her work is heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance and Islamic architecture, and she employs pattern, repetition, and color to deconstruct recognizable forms into pure, abstract shapes. This method allows her to create pieces that are both complex and contemplative, encouraging viewers to see beyond the surface.
Jaray’s perspective on her work is enlightening:
“I see pattern as seeing the expression of certain kinds of order that reflect both what is in the world, and what is in oneself. There is pattern in everything, in a sense, and of course the repetition of anything creates pattern. Some see it as being formalistic, I don’t. Our lives are patterned; our lives are framed.”
A Lifetime of Artistic Achievement
The exhibition, “Tess Jaray: Paintings and Drawings Across 60 Years,” is not just a display of her artworks but also includes a selection of her inspirations and influences. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of her creative process. Additional works by Jaray can be viewed in the current collection displays at the nearby Graves Gallery, offering a broader perspective on her extensive career.
Tess Jaray’s journey began in Vienna, Austria, where she was born in 1937. Fleeing the Nazi regime, her family relocated to the United Kingdom in 1938, settling in Worcestershire.
Jaray’s artistic education commenced at Saint Martin’s School of Art (1954-1957) and continued at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London (1957-1960). In 1964, she started teaching at Hornsey College of Art and later became the first female art teacher at the Slade School of Art, a position she held for three decades until her retirement in 1999, when she was honored with the title of Reader Emeritus.
Celebrating an Artistic Icon
Alison Morton, Head of Exhibitions, reflects on Jaray’s impact:
“Through her groundbreaking exploration of shape and form spanning six decades, Tess Jaray has made a huge contribution to the development of British art. Her work represents some of the highlights of Sheffield Visual Art collection and we’re thrilled to celebrate her achievements through this new exhibition developed in collaboration with the artist and her family.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday, July 20, and runs until Sunday, October 13. Entry is free, with donations welcomed to support the gallery.
Practical Information
- Venue: Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP
- Contact: Tel. 0114 278 2600
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–4pm
- Entry: Free, donations welcome
- Website: Sheffield Museums
- Social Media:
- Facebook: @SheffieldMuseums
- Twitter: @SheffMuseums
- Instagram: @SheffMuseums
Further works by Tess Jaray can also be seen in the current “Colour, Form & Line” collection displays at the Graves Gallery. Like the Millennium Gallery, entry to the Graves Gallery is free, with donations encouraged.
A Legacy in the Arts
Sheffield Museums Trust operates six of the city’s leading museums and heritage sites, including the Millennium Gallery and Graves Gallery. Established in 2021, the charity cares for a wide range of collections, encompassing art, archaeology, social and industrial history, and natural science.
The organization is dedicated to celebrating Sheffield’s rich heritage and its reputation for excellence in craft, making, and innovation. By working with communities and partners at various levels, Sheffield Museums Trust aims to highlight home-grown talent and bring outstanding cultural experiences to the city.
Supporting the Arts
Arts Council England plays a crucial role in supporting creativity and culture across the country. Their strategic vision, “Let’s Create,” aims for a future where everyone has access to high-quality cultural experiences.
The council invests public funds from the Government and The National Lottery to support the sector. In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, primarily funded by the National Lottery, to assist organizations and individuals in need. Additionally, they have administered over £1 billion through the Culture Recovery Fund to support the cultural sector during these challenging times.
For more information on the Arts Council’s initiatives and funding opportunities, visit Arts Council England.
