Last Saturday morning, my daughter and I kept up our little tradition: breakfast together followed by a bit of exploring. These mornings are one of my favourite things, a chance to catch up, chat, and enjoy some time together while checking out the local art and history scene. This time, we headed to Weston Park Museum in Sheffield.
The museum is such a gem, tucked away in Weston Park with all its greenery. There’s always something new to see, and as we wandered through the exhibits, taking in the mix of history, art, and natural science, something caught my eye. At first, it was just a glance, but then it hit me. Could it really be… a John Singer Sargent? Right here in Weston Park Museum? I had to get closer to be sure. And yes, it was! I was blown away.
Sargent’s work is incredible, his ability to capture light and form is just next-level. Seeing one of his paintings here, totally unexpected, felt like stumbling across a buried treasure. I was fizzing with excitement when I walked up to the plaque to read more about it.
And then I burst out laughing. Loudly. According to the plaque, Sargent had written in a letter to a friend: “I am to paint several portraits in the country and three ugly young women at Sheffield, dingy hole.”
Talk about a brutally honest opinion! As someone who’s originally from Doncaster, now living near Barnsley, and spending a lot of time working around Sheffield, I couldn’t help but find it hilarious. Do I take offence? Nope! If anything, it made me think about how much the area has changed. Sheffield today is far from a “dingy hole”, it’s a lively city full of culture and history. But Sargent’s words? They’re a little time capsule of his candid personality.
It’s funny how art can do that, connecting you not just to the beauty of a piece but to the humanity of the artist behind it. Their quirks, their views, even their blunt takes on the places they visit… it all adds another layer to the experience.
We spent the rest of the visit soaking up more of what the museum had to offer, I was still laughing about Sargent’s comment by the time we stepped outside into the fresh Sheffield air. I feel so grateful for these moments. These Saturday mornings with my daughter, exploring and discovering together, really are the best. Who knows what surprises we’ll stumble across next time?
