WHITECHAPEL GALLERY EXHIBITION
In 1971 Hollweg’s earliest solo exhibition was held at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. It was his first opportunity to present a cohesive body of work to the public and was a culmination of his experiences as an artist since leaving Camberwell almost a decade before.
The influence of Nettlecombe and family life was strongly evident. In the stables at Nettlecombe he had discovered a collection of Edwardian toys, dolls houses, games and furniture and was excited by their craftsmanship. They inspired him to make the wooden sculptures which formed most of the artworks displayed at the Whitechapel Gallery, a selection of which have been gathered here.


Jelutong wood, oil paint, varnish, 65 x 46 x 160 cm
Hollweg’s large-scale toy cars imply the promise of the open road and journeys taken or still to come. They may also express nostalgia for the past and memories of his grandfather, Edward Wadsworth, who had owned a collection of Rolls-Royces. Hollweg bought his own Rolls-Royce in the 1960s.
Jelutong wood, oil paint, varnish, 43 x 13 x 69 cm
There was a strong element of autobiography in the artworks displayed in the Whitechapel exhibition. The Tower is based on Willett Tower, Elworthy, where the Hollwegs often went for picnics with friends.
Jelutong wood, oil paint, varnish, 33 x 55 x 3 cm
There was a strong element of autobiography in the artworks displayed in the Whitechapel exhibition. The Family is an affectionate representation of Geraldine and their children. Hollweg includes himself with camera in hand.
Jellutong wood, oil paint, varnish, 53 x 30 x 36 cm
Mansion is an example of Hollweg’s use of a readymade language to create a distinctive form of sculpture akin to 3D pop art.
Gallery
