Remembering Alfred Wallis

A short film featuring interviews with the late Dr Roger Slack made in 2007 as he discussed his relationship to the life, works and family of Alfred Wallis, artist and mariner. Produced by Andy Blair.
With thanks to the St Ives Trust image archive.

[@thewaythingsare8158]

Greetings Andy Blair (Jim from Estates) Rather special rare memories in your film. I didn't realise that Bernard leach had made the tiles for his grave - saved from a paupers burial thank goodness. Having spent some time in Kettles yard house one afternoon reading about Wallis from Jim Ede's Library upstairs, I couldn't help forming the impression that despite the clear influence of Wallis on Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood and others, he was to some extent never given the contemporary appraisal he surely deserved, and there is no doubt in my mind that the bundles of paintings Wallis would enthusiastically send up to Ede in Cambridge wrapped in brown twine were never exchanged for their true value. At that time I shared a house in Abbey street Farnham, and directly opposite my bedroom a rather kind and eccentric chap moved in to the terraced cottage by the Lamb pub there. He kept little cardboard paintings of ships propped up on the front window. These little churning evocative jewels turned out to be by Alfred Wallis and the occupant had them because he was the grandson of Ben Nicholson.

[@grahamferguson5796]

Really interesting. Many thanks.

[@janeking9540]

Fantastic personal anecdotes. I have just started reading The Alfred Wallis Factor by David Wilkinson. I have a little painting that I like to think might be by Wallis, however I know there are lots of forgeries out there. Was in St Ives for a day in August. Being in Cornwall reminded me of how magical the place is.

[@bevmorris7434]

What a wonderful piece of History.... I adore St Ives and have been many times. I so wish I had known about Alfred Wallis, his life, paintings (on everything and anything ) Really lovey film, thank you.

[@emmarosebarber4512]

Thank you. This is very moving indeed. I see the recording was made in the year that Dr. Slack died. Something to treasure.

[@AndyBlairUK]

He was a wonderful human being. Such a kind person and he did so much to provide first hand testimony on Alfred’s life via his family.

[@ikarljoseph]

Nice video. Thanks.