The Dance of Life: The Art of Mildred Elsie Eldridge (1909–1991)

This year’s Annual Beauforest Lecture at the Ashmolean Museum celebrates 20th century artist and mural painter Mildred Elsie Eldridge.

Eldridge’s work explores humanity's loss of harmony with the natural world and the alienating effect of life in an urban mass society of industrialism; having a profound influence on her husband R.S. Thomas. ‘The Dance of Life’ was an extensive mural, much admired by Stanley Spencer, demonstrated the centrepiece of her artistic career. In her later years she focussed on watercolour paintings, and her work faded from view.

Tony Brown is Emeritus Professor in the School of English and Co-Director of the R.S. Thomas Research Centre at Bangor University, which holds major manuscript archives of both Thomas and Eldridge. He has published extensively on Thomas and on his relationship with Elsie Eldridge, whose autobiography he is currently preparing for publication.

This event takes place in-person at the Ashmolean Museum.

Tickets are free but booking is essential.