20 June – 9 October 2016
The exhibition is the result the vision of two remarkable women: Shelia McCririck, head of art at Bishop Otter College from 1949-78 and K M Elizabeth (Betty) Murray, Principal of Bishop Otter College 1948-70. It also marks the centenary of the birth of of Sheila McCririck. Together the two women created a unique collection, especially as at outset there was no finance. Yet artists through the Contemporary Art Society, such as Ivon Hitchens, William Gear and John Craxtonand eminent collectors willingly loaned their work. From these came some of the early purchases when limited funding was secured.This two-site exhibition is a partnership between the Otter Gallery and Pallant House Gallery which showcases a range of works to demonstrate the significance of the collection.
The unerring ‘eye’ of Sheila McCririck together with the support of Betty Murray meant that works were purchased at the time by often little known artists, such as Henry Moore and Spencer . Such was their vision that over the following three decades work was acquired from Graham Sutherland, William Scott, Patrick Heron, Sandra Blow and Mary Fedden.
The exhibition, which is supported by the Bishop Otter College Guild, will be accompanied by a fully-illustrated book.
This exhibition is a two site exhibition running concurrently with Pallant House Gallery from 18 June – 11 September (a Sunday).
Opening Hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9.00am-4.30pm
Thursdays 9.00am-7.30pm
Closed weekends with the exception of Saturday 11 June, 9 July, 13 August when they will be open from 10.00am-5.00pm
Free Admission
but booking is recommended
Otter Gallery
University of Chichester
College Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 6PE
Tel: +44 (0)1243 816098
E-mail: galleryevents@chi.ac.uk