Due to Covid 19 we have had to reschedule the majority of our 2020 programme, it has been challenging but it has also given us opportunities. This is one of those opportunities, a very special exhibition of works by one of the most significant artists in our collection – made even more special by a rather wonderful discovery.
Alfred Wallis Rediscovered includes over 60 rarely shown paintings and drawings from our Reserve Collection as well as three recently rediscovered sketchbooks which were made in the last year of the artist’s life and have not been exhibited for over fifty years.
The wonderful pages of the sketchbooks feature many of the recognisable subjects and scenes to which Wallis repeatedly returned throughout his lifetime; ships, boats and the Cornish coastline and harbours. Jim Ede, creator of Kettle’s Yard, recognised the profound nature of Wallis’ work, with its expressive life, joy, and themes of survival.
Thank you
Alfred Wallis Rediscovered was not part of our planned programme for 2020. Thank you for helping to make the exhibition a success.
Your donations have helped us to:
- Create new digital content about the three sketchbooks – ensuring that this wonderful discovery has a legacy beyond the exhibition which is accessible to all
- Programme exciting learning and community activities, bringing the artworks and stories in the exhibition to new audiences
- Undertake vital conservation work to key paintings in our Reserve Collection that are on display as part of the exhibition
We are aware that not everyone will be able to visit and your support has given us the resources to bring the exhibition alive through digital means.
Thank you for all your generous support. We, like many arts organisations, are suffering severe financial challenges due to Covid-19 and there has never been a more important time to support us.
Alfred Wallis for Everyone campaign supporters
Exhibition Circle
Friends of Kettle’s Yard
The Mandarin Trust
Suling Chan Mead
John and Claudia Arney
Carol Atack
Angela Chadwyck-Healey
John and Jennifer Crompton
Nicola Dandridge and Andrew Nairne
Paul and Daisy Havranek
Dr Christopher Mallinson
Polly Mallinson
Simon and Midge Palley
Elizabeth Simpson, OBE
Alex Haidas and Thalia Chryssikou
The Arts Society Cambridge
Crane Kalman Gallery
Jonathan and Nicole Scott
Supporters
Jane Adams
Vanessa Bismuth
Neil and Gwen Blackshaw
Sophie Bowness
Liz Budd
Judy Dean
Len Dunne
Laura Freeman
Gough and Morris family
David Gye
Penny Heath
Sabine Jaccaud
Anthony Joyes
James Kirkbride
Bob Lockyer
Nicki Marrian
Isabelle McNeill
Dipak Mistry
Graham Murfitt
Sandy Nairne
Des Pawson MBE
Den Pearce
Rob Pilsworth
Sally Rands
Dougal Rousham
Nicci Steele-Williams
John Stark
Christine Tipple
Martin Thompson
Gillian Warrin
and all who wish to remain anonymous

Image: Alfred Wallis, Brigantine sailing past green fields, n.d., 418 x 488 mm, oil on card. Courtesy of Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge