Art manager, Framer, Confidante

 

From 1973 Rowan James worked as Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s studio assistant, supporting her in all aspects of her life and work.

Two images grouped on an orange background. From left to right: an acrylic painting of tall trees with grass in front, one tree has orange leaves; a photograph of Rowan James leaning on a stone plinth with a siamese cat sat on top in front of trees.

Rowan James (1937-2005)

Rowan James was born Jasmine Georgianna Mary Violet Rowe in the Channel Island of Guernsey. She was a free spirit who, after leaving school, trained as an artist.  She changed her name to Rowan James on leaving the islands as a way of severing herself from her past. Her interest in and appreciation of contemporary artists drew her to St Ives in order to continue her studies and to paint.

Rowan’s Role

 

In 1973 Rowan was introduced to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham as a possible studio assistant. Initially Wilhelmina was not overly enthusiastic about taking on an assistant but Rowan proved herself to be a practical and helpful individual who came to play a vital role in Wilhelmina’s life.  Rowan moved to Scotland to run Balmungo House and over the ensuing years took on more and more responsibilities in managing Barns-Graham’s professional career. She was Wilhelmina’s business manager, framer, and confidante.

Rowan James standing on the edge of a gravel path with holding three goats on reins.

Rowan James with goats in the garden at Balmungo

Significant Contribution

 

There is no doubt that the later successes and accolades that Wilhelmina received is in part due to Rowan’s selfless dedication. She was the one who negotiated with galleries and museums, ensuring that Barns-Graham’s art was presented to the highest standards, and organised for the publication of Lynne Green’s seminal monograph W. Barns-Graham : a studio life. Rowan’s efforts contributed significantly to the re-appraisals that the artist’s life and work has received in recent times.

Rowan set aside her own career as a painter in taking on this role. Her work was never exhibited and remained hidden away in the recesses of Balmungo House. These came to light as work was being done at the house in 2006. A sampling, in tribute, is represented here.

Photos of Rowan

Portrait of Rowan at Balmungo, c.1980s


RJ and WBG in the garden at Balmungo, c.1970s


Rowan at Balmungo


1982 WBG RJ

WBG and RJ working in Balmungo studio, 1982

Photo: Antonia Reeve

Paintings by Rowan James

Untitled 1971 Gouache on paper

59.5 x 42 cm Ref BGT9950

Untitled 1973 Gouache on paper

52 x 41.7 cm Ref BGT9897

Dawn 1972 Monotype on paper

55.7 x 38.3 cm Ref BGT10002

Untitled 1972 Mixed media on paper

55.7 x 38.3 cm Ref BGT9987

Untitled 1971 Gouache on paper

55.7 x 38.5 cm Ref BGT9974

Untitled 1979 Mixed media on paper

37 x 31.5 cm Ref BGT9981

Spring Flight 1976 Pen, ink and mixed media on paper

29.7 x 20.8 cm Ref BGT10248