Plympton St Maurice is one of Devon’s unexplored gems. Why? Apart from the many lovely listed buildings and illustrious people who have been born there and have contributed to British history and culture, the village has been called ‘The Birthplace of British Art.’
The followers of artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, born in Plympton St Maurice on July 16 1723 wouldn’t disagree and will be celebrating his 300th birthday mid-July with many interesting events at his birthplace.
Visitors can still see Plympton Grammar School where Josh was a pupil and his father, the master. Rumour has it that the young Josh doodled on the school walls but an over-zealous decorator painted over leaving the early work lost forever.
Subsequent noted artists studying in St Maurice included Charles Lock Eastlake, first director of the National Gallery, Royal Academicians James Northcote and Benjamin Haydon. All three went to the same school as Reynolds.
Joshua’s artistic talents were quickly recognised from an early age. At the age of 18 he travelled to London to become an apprentice to another Devonian painter, Thomas Hudson, then returned to Plymouth where he set up his own studio before doing a European tour. Back in London, the 29-year-old artist successfully established himself as a portrait painter, gaining patrons and a wide circle of friends who promoted his work.
As founding member and first president of the Royal Academy, Joshua was knighted. He also gained an honorary degree from Oxford University in 1773. The same year he was elected as Mayor of Plympton – an appointment which he declared ‘gave him the greatest honour of all.’
Celebrating Reynold’s birth starts on Friday July 14. Leading art expert Dr Martin Postle will give a talk at The Guildhall in Plympton on ‘Reynolds at 300’ at 7pm followed by a discussion with other experts. Drinks at 8.30pm, tickets £12.
On July 15, current artists show off their work in an exhibition open from 10am to 4.30pm in The Guildhall. Displays of Reynolds connections with Plympton, charting his early life and local achievements as well as research into the local area will also be shown.
The paints, techniques and materials used by Reynolds are the subject of a fascinating talk from 2pm to 3pm by National Portrait Gallery expert Alexandra Gent.
From 11am to 11.45am there’s a guided tour of Plympton St Maurice exploring settings familiar to the young Reynolds.
On July 16 the streets of St Maurice go back in time as the streets are decorated and activities and trails for all will take place, set against the backdrop of the historic buildings.
From 10.30am to 4.30pm the art and history exhibition will continue in The Guildhall. An 18th century re-enactment group will demonstrate aspects of everyday life during Joshua’s early years in Plympton St Maurice.
A guided tour of the village will take place from 11am to 11.45am. A procession at 1pm will see flowers laid at the memorial to Sir Joshua at St Maurice Church.
After an address on behalf of the Plympton St Maurice Civic Association there will be a picnic on the castle green with family activities.
For budding artists, there will be easels and materials available around the village for them to create a masterpiece.
For those who want to see the real thing The Box in Plymouth has a spectacular exhibition entitled ‘Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration,’ exploring the artist’s career, and important works, many on loan from other international collections.
The Box is running an events programme of talks, special events and family activities and the exhibition runs from June 24 to Sunday October 29. Admission is free. Details at www.theboxplymouth.com/events/reframing-reynolds
