FROUDIAN MAGIC ENCHANTS LONDON

Once upon a time, there comes a night that wholeheartedly affirms why one does what one does every day. For the past five years it has been my mission to support and champion the astoundingly talented Fantasy and Visionary Artists around the globe, including those that we are lucky enough to have here in the UK. Therefore, to be guests at Wendy and Brian’s stunning ‘Sylvan Spirit’ Exhibition private view recently was a real delight. Being among, and observing, the wonder and rapture of the folk around me was a fascinating experience in itself, let alone getting to witness first hand the beauty and majesty of the original work of the godparents of contemporary Faerie Art. Drew and I were lucky enough to also visit this gallery (tucked behind our favourite Royal Academy) last winter and see Wendy’s first Showing, where I felt like a young girl in a beloved toy shop - I really wanted to take All her precious dolls home so that they could live and play in our cottage! As the air in the place imperceptibly stirred, the gossamer hair and delicate fabric of some of the faeries gently moved and it was breathtaking, they held me in total rapture. Wendy’s exquisite sculptures bring faerie right into our world and I’m very sure that once all the visitors have left, much mischief is had…
So this year was an extra special treat to see Wendy’s wonderful creations surrounded by Brian’s amazing work, our capital city never had it so good! The atmosphere was even more magical as it became clear with the evening’s progression that many of Brian’s muses were also in the room, as their family and friends had all come to celebrate with them and share the joyous occasion.
(I just have to mention here, that on both of these gallery visits I have had the distinct impression that it is not really us mortals who are there to catch a glimpse of the Froudian world but, as is often the way with Faerie, we are gathered together to be inspected by the characters and visual representations of these two inspired imaginations - exactly who is watching who…)
This cherished couple, who hold in their awesomely talented hands the stimulation for so many willing spirits, have had an arduous schedule this past year and yet always warmly greet every single person as though they were the only one there, with time, energy and a big smile! How does one say Thank You to such unique people, and how truly grateful we all are for everything they do, their talent, their willingness to share and encourage and all done with such generous grace. These two treasured people with such a great sense of fun, seem to live, breathe and sleep Faerie and we are blessed indeed to walk a little of this path with them.
In Brian’s brilliant and delicious new ‘World of Faerie’ book, he mentions, “Does it matter if you believe in faeries? Well, I can only answer that the world feels like a much better place when you do. It becomes a place imbued with a glorious sense of enchantment and connection.” Here, here!

In Faerie Magazine’s Winter Issue, especially for our new Uniting Kingdoms section, Wendy has very kindly written for us her own special column relating her and Brian’s experiences from the exhibition - these words are, as always, an enchanting journey in themselves… Thank you dear Wendy.

Magical Blessings, Be