The Brotherhood of Ruralists

Seven painters (Ann Arnold, Graham Arnold, Peter Blake, Jann Haworth. David Inshaw, Annie Ovenden and Graham Ovenden) decided in 1975 to form a Brotherhood of Ruralists. The echo of the twentieth century Pre-Raphealite Brotherhood was deliberate, and like their predecessors they are an association of friends who share strongly held views on the nature of art and the artist (though not a common style). They live seperately in the West Country but come together each year for a fortnight’s working holiday in Cornwall. This survey considers their diversity and common beliefs.