Yet, despite being regarded as among the most technically accomplished modern British artists who worked outside of London, Naviasky, who died in 1983, has remained little known – a fact which Suzie and Richard Hamlin are aiming to change.
While his contemporaries, including Augustus John, gained fortune and fame working in London, Naviasky returned to Yorkshire after the First World War, taking up a post at Leeds College of Art, which could explain his slow emergence to renown in portraiture.
Portrait of a Rabbi, 1912 by Philip Naviasky @the artist's estate (Photo: the Ben Uri Art Gallery and Museum)[Missing Credit]
Suzie Hamlin, who owns a mural painting business with her husband, first came across Naviasky’s work when she and her family moved into the artist’s Leeds home in Chapel Allerton in 1996. She knew “immediately” that an artist had previously lived there.
“It was clear that there had been paintings on every wall, and there was an art studio in the back garden. It has such a personal connection for us because we so love art,” said Suzie, whose 15-year-old daughter is following Naviasky's path, having just been accepted into Leeds School of Art.
The couple, who aren’t Jewish, rebuilt the studio in the garden, and began to collect Naviasky’s works, two of which they bought for a few hundred pounds from a rug shop.
Suzie and Richard Hamlin, with paintings by artist Philip Naviasky, whose former home they now live in (Photo: Reuben Hamlin)[Missing Credit]
In February, Suzie and Richard showcased his work from Roundhay Park on the Antiques Roadshow. Later, they approached Leeds Civil Trust to tell Naviasky’s story and to apply for a blue plaque on their home to commemorate his work. The plaque will also refer to the artist's Jewish heritage.
The Hamlins' Naviasky exhibition at Left Bank Leeds - an accessible art space – will showcase many of the artist’s paintings, contributed by collectors from all over the world. Dr Eva Frojmovic, an expert in Jewish history of art from the University of Leeds, will speak at the opening.
“He wasn't as famous as he should be and he was an incredible artist,” said Suzie. "One of his most famous paintings, of the rabbi, is absolutely amazing. You can see he was technically brilliant, but he used a more fluid style in many of his paintings. You can be absolutely brilliant at making something look photographically accurate, but less is more, and that flow is when you've really got the skill.”
A Philip Naviasky portrait[Missing Credit]
She added that when the art dealer Philip Mould from the programme Fake or Fortune was selling one of Naviasky’s paintings on his website, he said that the artist is “coming late to greatness but it is well deserved”.
Said Suzie:“I would be delighted to see him become better known. And you only have to look at the images of his work to see that it still appears contemporary.”
The exhibition of Philip Naviasky’s is on May 23-31 at Left Bank Leeds. The opening event will be on May 22 from 6-9pm. Click here for information and bookings.
The unveiling of blue plaque by Neville Lewis, Philip Naviasky’s great-nephew, is on May 24 at 4pm at 579 Scott Hall Road, LS7 2NF
There is a Crowdfunder site to raise the necessary funds for the plaque
Suzie and Richard Hamlin, outside their home, which used to belong to artist Philip Naviasky. Suzie is holding one of his works (Photo: Reuben Hamlin)[Missing Credit]