Jean Jay, the Birmingham artist whose powerful pastel drawings of the male nude won many admirers, is remembered in an exhibition opening at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists today.
Jean, pictured left with some of her work, who died last year after losing her battle against breast cancer, combined successful careers in art and business. Her particular interest was the male psyche, and she saw her drawings as a collaboration with the professional models who sat for her. On one famous occasion she persuaded the veteran art critic Edward Lucie-Smith to disrobe in the interests of charity.
In 1999 she was commissioned by the Barber Institute to exhibit drawings inspired by the 17th century painting by Matthias Stom which was then the subject of a "picture in focus" exhibition. Prof Richard Verdi, director of the Barber Institute, will open the RBSA exhibition tonight.
Works in the exhibition, organised by Jean's husband Roger, will be for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds
going to breast cancer research.
Another event in aid of a cancer charity will be a unique performance of FaurE's Requiem, in aid of The Caron Keating Foundation with her mother, Gloria Hunniford as guest of honour.
It is at The Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham for a matinEe and evening performance on Saturday.
Presented by Matthew Jones Productions, the show will feature the music of FaurE, Verdi, and Dvor?k as well as the songs of Dusty Springfield and The Carpenters - music to suit all tastes.
Complete with the Matthew Jones Orchestra and Choir, local Conductor Matthew Jones shares the stage with a host of internationally acclaimed soloists including soprano Gillian Flinter and Baritone Andrew Mayor.
Tickets are priced at £15/£13 (concessions) and can be obtained by calling 0121 202 5000 or 0121 236 5622. Tickets can also be purchased online at the following link: www.birminghamboxoffice. co.uk
