"Britain's Lost Impressionist" Celebrated in New Exhibition.
A new, free exhibition at the Rutland County Museum is showcasing the remarkable East Midlands paintings of John Louis Petit, an influential 19th-century artist and architectural critic. The exhibition, titled "The East Midlands Paintings of John Louis Petit," runs from August 23 to October 4, 2025.
Petit, once described by critic Andrew Graham-Dixon as "The greatest discovery in British art for a generation," is receiving a major re-evaluation. His watercolours and sketches provide a distinctive visual record of the region's churches, landscapes, and historic buildings. Many of the works on display have been hidden from public view for over 25 years and are being shown publicly for the first time. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration with the JL Petit Society, which has been instrumental in the revival of interest in the artist's work.
According to Rev. Prof. Chris Baker, co-curator and minister at All Saints Church, Petit’s work was "lay hidden in a hoard in Surrey until 25 years ago." This exhibition, made possible by generous loans from the JL Petit Society, offers a rare opportunity to see these works. Philip Modiano, Chair of the JL Petit Society, notes that Petit is often called "Britain's Lost Impressionist," and that some of the pictures on show are among his best works. In addition to the works from the Society, the exhibition is also supported by Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, which has loaned one of its own Petit paintings.
As part of the exhibition program, the Rutland County Museum will host a discussion on Saturday, September 27, 2025, titled "Architectural Fashion vs Common Sense." This event will bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore Petit's opposition to the Gothic Revival movement and its impact on the region and beyond. It highlights Petit's dual role as both an artist and a critic who passionately engaged with the architectural trends of his time.
https://profchrisbaker.com/john-louis-petit-an-introduction/j-l-petit-architectural-critic/
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