The Beverley Art Gallery has officially acquired the notable painting Two Girls on the Shore by esteemed British artist David Remfry. This significant addition marks a pivotal moment for the gallery, enhancing its collection with a work from a living artist. The painting, which has been on loan since December 2024, now becomes a permanent fixture within the Champney Treasure House in Beverley.
Significance of the Acquisition
Two Girls on the Shore (1963) was created during a transformative period in Remfry’s career, embodying what he describes as a “nudge” towards abstraction. The artwork is set against the backdrop of Spurn Point in East Yorkshire and captures two women emerging from the sea on a cold day at the beach. Its muted palette and bold composition reflect both the stark beauty of the region’s coastline and Remfry’s deep connection to the area.
To celebrate this acquisition, the gallery plans to release a film of the In Conversation event from the acclaimed David Remfry RA: A Homecoming exhibition held in June 2025. This event featured a dialogue between Remfry and Dr. Sarah Victoria Turner, director of Yale University’s Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. The sold-out event allowed Remfry to reflect on his journey from art student in Hull to a recognized figure in the international art scene.
Community and Institutional Support
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and tourism at East Riding Council, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. He stated, “This painting, by celebrated artist David Remfry, is a wonderful addition to the permanent collection at Beverley Art Gallery. Two Girls on the Shore has quickly become a highlight of the gallery and will remain a central part of the collection for future generations to enjoy in Beverley and the East Riding.”
Hannah Willetts, curator of Beverley Art Gallery, also shared her thoughts: “We’re delighted to add Two Girls on the Shore to our collection. The painting captures the stark beauty of East Yorkshire’s coastline, reflecting both the landscape and David’s deep connection to the area. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to contemporary British art.”
In response to the acquisition, Remfry remarked, “It gives me enormous pleasure to know that Two Girls on the Shore has joined the Beverley Art Gallery collection. My exhibition at the gallery last year, A Homecoming, was a real highlight for me, and I felt incredibly grateful to share that body of work with such an engaged and generous audience. To now have this work permanently housed within the collection feels deeply meaningful.”
This acquisition was made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Beverley Art Gallery, the Art Fund, and East Riding Council. Art enthusiasts can watch the In Conversation film featuring David Remfry and Dr. Sarah Victoria Turner on YouTube.
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