Project aims to put hidden artworks on display

Richard Morris, an art historian and lecturer from Woodbridge, Suffolk, is on a mission to bring attention to forgotten artworks created by Suffolk painters. One of the pieces he is particularly interested in is 'Two Men Clearing Banks' by Harry Becker, which depicts two men working beside a river. Morris has launched a project called Everyone's Art, aimed at researching and exhibiting artworks that are currently stored away in galleries and museums, unseen by the public. At 60 years old, Morris specializes in 20th Century British and European paintings and hopes that his initiative, starting in Suffolk, will eventually expand across the nation. 'I want to get these works out so that the public can appreciate them and understand the lives of the artists who created them,' he stated. Among the artworks Morris wishes to display is Becker's 'Two Men Clearing Banks,' which is part of the Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service (CIMS). This painting was on display at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich from 1995 until 2019 and is currently in storage. However, the Ipswich Borough Council has indicated that it may return to the public eye next year as part of an exhibition focused on the working landscape. Another piece Morris is eager to showcase is Henry Bright's crayon and chalk drawing titled 'Symphony,' created in 1830. This drawing has not been exhibited since 1997 due to its fragile condition. Morris expressed his desire to display many of the lesser-known works in community centers, churches, and other accessible locations. 'If you have an exhibition featuring an obscure artist, people are less likely to attend. That's why many exhibitions focus on well-known artists like Gainsborough or Constable,' he explained. 'Some of these lesser-known artists were competing with very famous artists in their time, and it is unfair that only those who are supported by well-known figures get recognition. ' Morris aims to change this narrative and ensure that these artworks receive the appreciation they deserve. He also pointed out that many museums do not display all of their collections. For instance, the Tate Museum shows only about 20% of its permanent collection, while The Louvre displays just 8%. The Guggenheim exhibits only 3% of its collection, and the Berlinische Galerie shows a mere 2%. Thomas Köhler, the director of the Berlinische Galerie, stated, 'We do not have the space to show more. A museum preserves memory and culture, but many works rarely, if ever, see the light of day. ' Morris, who has lectured at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London and previously worked on a project to digitize Rembrandt's works, estimates that the initial phase of his project will cost around £10,000, which he has secured from a private backer. He plans to use most of the funds for frames, display easels, transportation, and insurance for the artworks. The Ipswich Borough Council acknowledged that it holds a significant number of artworks in its collection but noted that it is not feasible to display all items simultaneously. They mentioned that their loan program allows other institutions to borrow artworks, provided they follow the established guidelines. Factors such as security, environmental conditions, insurance, light levels, staffing, and conservation must all be taken into account. A spokesperson for the council added, 'Our excellent Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service Collections team works diligently to showcase our artworks as part of our frequently changing displays in Christchurch Mansion, as well as in our expertly curated exhibitions. We are eager to support the loaning of objects to museums across the UK and abroad.