Humphrey Jennings – Observations
Humphrey JenningsHumphrey Jennings – Observations
It is with great pleasure that we are exhibiting a selection of Humphrey Jennings’ art works from the archives this summer. Frank Humphrey Sinkler Jennings (19 August 1907 – 24 September 1950) was an English documentary filmmaker, artist, writer, set designer, painter and one of the founders of the Mass Observation organisation. He has been affectionately described as British cinema’s war poet in recognition of his many acclaimed portrayals of life in Britain during WWII for the GPO film unit. Farleys Gallery will be showcasing a selection of Jennings’ images in varied media as a celebratory look at his prolific output.
24/07/2025 - 14/09/2025
About this exhibition
Between 1937 and 1950, Jennings compiled a collection of contemporary observations on the progress and impact of the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom, which he called Pandæmonium, 1660–1886: The Coming of the Machine as Seen by Contemporary Observers. Jennings’ anthology was published posthumously in 1985 and is widely recognized as a monumental achievement.
Observations offers an evocative glimpse into Jennings’ artistic practice, presenting a curated selection of his rarely seen paintings and sketches. This exhibition reveals the breadth of Jennings’ talent beyond his acclaimed documentary filmmaking and explores his ability to capture fleeting moments of everyday life with poignancy and poetic insight.
Many of the works on display reflect Jennings’ eye for subtle detail, his sensitivity to atmosphere, and his fascination with finding both the surreal and the beautiful in the ordinary. From intimate portraits, still life compositions and scenes of rural life, to expressive abstract works, this exhibition spans a variety of styles and subjects.
Observations not only attempts to honour Jennings’ enduring influence on British visual culture, but also positions him within the artistic milieu of Farleys, where creativity, experimentation, and intellectual enquiry intersected. In keeping with Farleys’ commitment to showcasing historically significant and underrepresented work, this exhibition sheds new light on an artist whose visual imagination still continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
All works are available for purchase, offering collectors and admirers a rare opportunity to acquire original pieces by this remarkable artist.
