ATG No 2651.
Despite his many other achievements and innovations, this is not one of them. The idea of a gallery with plain white walls was introduced by James McNeill Whistler for the exhibition of his etchings of Venice at The Fine Art Society in 1883.
The artist called it ‘Arrangement in White and Yellow’.
The walls were covered in white felt and the etchings were in white frames. The skirting board and picture rail were painted yellow, there was yellow matting on the floor, yellow tiles in the fireplace, yellow curtains, couches and chairs. The guard was dressed in white and yellow.
I think it still sounds quite radical.
Gordon Cooke
Bath
