Diary extracts for Nov to December 1947

2nd Nov 1947:

Painted the subject of Excalibur as remembered at Catterick when I was a boy.

25th Nov 1947:

Went to Fawley Church to make drawings and get ideas for subject of Harvest Festival originally seen in Cornwall during the war. Started painting right away in the afternoon (50x30)

11th Dec 1947:

Leicester Galleries to see Anthony Devas show

I get the unfortunate impression that he is going downhill . . . 

Then to Pasmore’s exhibition at Redfern

First impression disappointing but it grows on one. Drawings very good.

12th Dec 1947:

Van Gogh show at Tate (100 paintings, 80 drawings)

. . . simply magnificent

Then to the really splendid Indian show at the RA. Hardly anyone there. The sculpture so grand.

Then in to Pasmore’s show again and thought it good.

12th Dec 1947:

Cambridge in afternoon, Evensong by candlelight.

13th Dec 1947:

Making notes for the painting of King’s chapel by candlelight. The windows are being put back and as the light dies the colour shows very slightly on stonework.

13th Dec 1947:

Most amusing comic party with Dons in the evening. Sat next to EM Forster. Rather shy. Not in bed till after 1am.

14th Dec 1947:

To service in the morning. Boris Ord played great Fantasia by Bach (in G). Sat up behind the choir.

14th Dec 1947:

Waxed the 2 paintings done a year ago.