Was it a life well-lived, he wondered, gazing at the unassuming blue plaque on the wall? This is the Frank Short Plaque. It commemorates the life of Sir Francis Job Short, a man who, despite his initial path as a civil engineer, found his true calling in the world of art. Born in 1857, Short’s artistic journey led him to become a master engraver, etcher, and painter. He was particularly drawn to the works of J.M.W. Turner, painstakingly recreating his masterpieces through his engravings. But Short’s talent wasn’t confined to imitation. He was a skilled landscape artist, capturing the tranquil beauty of British coastlines and countryside. Imagine the subtle gradations of light and shadow in his mezzotints, the delicate lines of his etchings. Short was also a respected teacher, nurturing the talents of aspiring artists at the Royal College of Art. His legacy extends beyond his own artwork to the generations of artists he inspired. The plaque, a simple ceramic square, marks the house at 56 Brook Green where Short resided from 1898 to 1927. It’s a quiet testament to a life dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of beauty, a reminder that even within the bustling city, art finds a home.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service