The Soper Collection

[pete9012S]

The Soper Collection: The reclusive family whose art captured the English countryside:

The race is on to secure a home for a unique collection of rural artwork little known beyond the East Anglian home of the enigmatic family who created it
Beautiful watercolour evocations of the English landscape, charming wildlife and children’s illustrations from the English mid-century, and a wide range of evocative prints and etchings that capture a way of life that has all but disappeared; the Soper Collection offers a remarkable snapshot of the colours, life, atmosphere and movement of the British countryside.

Yet few people beyond their native East Anglia know of the reclusive family and the large body of work they produced against the changing social backdrop of the 20th century.

https://museumcrush.org/the-soper-colle ... untryside/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Daisy]

A lovely collection of pictures, Pete.

[Courtenay]

Gosh, how wonderful!! I hope they do raise enough money to set up a permanent gallery somewhere. What incredibly beautiful paintings. Eileen's fieldfares in the snow look almost real!

I must send that link to my family, as they're all fans of the original Famous Five artwork but almost certainly don't know anything about the artist, let alone her father and sister as well. Thanks, Pete.

[Katharine]

An interesting article and a great collection of photos and drawings.

I'm a little confused though, where is the connection between the Sopers and East Anglia?

Maybe I misread something, but it says the Sopers lived in Hertfordshire, which includes places such as Watford - to me that's London! (A quick Google informs me they lived in Welwyn, which is just north of the M25, a good hour's drive from Suffolk. Another Google search informs me that East Anglia is defined as being Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, although I think many people would possibly include parts of Essex too.

Having said that, it would be brilliant to have such a wonderful collection housed in Suffolk, although I can't say I've ever heard of anyone mentioning the family around here, and sadly wonder how much interest there would be.

[Anita Bensoussane]

That is confusing, Katharine, but the artwork is stunning and I like the photos too.

[Lucky Star]

Superb find Pete. I love the photos too. Great to see Eileen as a child and young woman.

[Katharine]

That is confusing, Katharine, but the artwork is stunning and I like the photos too.

Yes indeed, the artwork is beautiful. I would love it if it was housed locally.