Madge Gill: Nature in Mind

Encounter the works of one of Britain’s most revered Outsider artists in an open air ‘gallery’ in the Royal Docks.

Timed to mark the 60th anniversary of her death, Madge Gill: Nature in Mind sees reproductions of the Newham resident’s spiritualism-inspired watercolours and drawings displayed at five sites along The Line’s three-mile art walk in Newham.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are three double-sided billboards outside the Emirates Air Line in the Royal Docks, displaying a selection of intricately-drawn works. Reflecting the importance of nature in Gill’s practice, they’re nestled among trees.

Born in the East End in 1882, Gill was self-taught and worked outside the mainstream art world. Turning to spiritualism in her 30s, she claimed a spirit called Myrninerest guided her to create the enigmatic faces and complex geometrical patterns that are common themes of her work. Gill’s entire collection was donated to Newham Council on her death in 1961, and it’s from this archive that 20 works have been selected by The Line for display along its three-mile route.

Presented in partnership with Newham Council, this exhibition is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, London Legacy Development Corporation’s Neighbourhood Priorities Fund, the Royal Docks Team and St William.

Image credit: Newham Council’s Heritage Service