Spring Mini-Litfest: Painted out of History – The Story of Ellen and Rolinda Sharples

The book was inspired by a 1996 film starring the legendary Toyah Willcox. Rolinda is transported from the Georgian era to the present day to discover the fate of her paintings. She tells the story of her remarkable mother and their adventures in the early days of Independence in America, where Ellen painted the first five presidents. Rolinda compares notes with the distinguished artist P J Crook, her modern equivalent as a painter of contemporary life, and visits the Academy her mother founded.

Join the director of the film Lee Cox and the artist and writer Hazel Gower for a screening of the film and a discussion about the book.

Alison Bevan: Director RWA “we are hugely grateful to Hazel Gower for bringing Ellen’s story into the spotlight in this wonderful book.”