Beverley Art Gallery’s latest exhibition contains more than a nod towards Philip Larkin. Curated by Dr Geradine Mulcahy-Parker, the exhibition offers a fascinating retrospective of Remfrey’s work, tracking his artistic journey from his formative years in Hull in the 1960s to international success in New York. Remfrey studied at Hull College of Art and became close friends with Jean and George Hartley, who published Larkin’s first major poetry collection, The Less Deceived. In 1975 Remfrey approached Philip Larkin and asked him to sit for him. Larkin refused the invitation in typical fashion: ‘I suppose it is, as I say, flattering, but by now I am above vanity where my face is concerned. I have to be.’

Display cabinet containing Remfrey’s signed copy of The Less Deceived and a letter from Larkin declining the invitation to sit for Remfrey.

Jean Hartley’s signed copy of Philip Larkin, the Marvell Press and Me

The exhibition utilises the Art Gallery’s beautiful White Gallery to very good effect, embracing the space perfectly to display Remfry’s renowned large-scale drawings of dancers and friends and neighbours at the Chelsea Hotel alongside smaller charcoal sketches and drawings, including a rare surviving notebook from his art college years and two portraits of Quentin Crisp.

There will be an ‘In Conversation’ with David Remfrey and Sarah Victoria Turner, Director of the Paul Mellon Centre for Research in British Art. on Thursday 19th June.

The exhibition continues until 21st June. For full details click here.