Chance Encounters: The Art of Rachel Reckitt
For over 60 years Rachel Reckitt (1908–95) lived and worked at Golsoncott, an Arts and Crafts home nestled within the hills on the edge of Exmoor. This became the backdrop to her lifelong quest for individual artistic expression.
Reckitt’s creative journey took her from 1930s London, and the avant-garde teaching of the Grosvenor School of Art’s founder Iain Macnab, to Roadwater Forge in the 1970s, where she enjoyed blacksmithing classes with Harry Horrobin. As an artist she was constantly changing her approach, experimenting and looking forward.
The exhibition ‘Chance Encounters’ was on display at The Museum of Somerset from 19 October 2024 to 15 March 2025. It brought together the largest collection of Reckitt’s artwork displayed together in more than 20 years.
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Artistic Foundations
The early life and schooling of Rachel Reckitt.
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Second World War
Reckitt's experiences in London during the Second World War.
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Book Illustrations
After the war, Reckitt developed her skills as a wood engraver.
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Travels
Reckitt travelled extensively during the years 1956 - 1964, using her experiences as inspiration.
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An Observer of People
In the 1950's, Reckitt's paintings focused on capturing fleeting, intimate human moments.
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Metalwork
In the 1960's, Reckitt returned to the artistic medium of metalwork.
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