Beverley Art Gallery is delighted to announce the acquisition of Two Girls on the Shore, an evocative painting by renowned British artist David Remfry MBE RA RWS.
This acquisition marks Beverley Art Gallery’s most significant addition in recent years by a living artist, further enhancing the collection on display inside the Champney Treasure House, Beverley.
On loan since December 2024, Two Girls on the Shore (1963) now joins the permanent collection. Created during a pivotal period in Remfry’s career, the work reflects what he describes as a “nudge” towards abstraction.
Set at Spurn Point, East Yorkshire, the painting’s muted palette and bold composition capture two women emerging from the sea on a “nithering” day on a Yorkshire beach.
To mark the acquisition, the gallery will release a film of the In Conversation event from the highly successful David Remfry RA: A Homecoming exhibition in 2025.
In this sold-out event, which took place in June 2025, Remfry reflected on his journey as an art student in Hull to becoming an internationally acclaimed artist. The conversation took place with Dr. Sarah Victoria Turner, director of Yale University’s Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.
To watch the In Conversation with David Remfry and Dr. Sarah Victoria Turner, see: In Conversation with David Remfry - Beverley Art Gallery - YouTube
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: ‘’This painting, by celebrated artist David Remfry, is a wonderful addition to the permanent collection at Beverley Art Gallery.
‘’Two Girls on the Shore has quickly become a highlight of the gallery and will remain a central part of the collection for future generations to enjoy in Beverley and the East Riding.’’
Hannah Willetts, Beverley Art Gallery curator, added: "We’re delighted to add Two Girls on the Shore to our collection. The painting captures the stark beauty of East Yorkshire’s coastline, reflecting both the landscape and David’s deep connection to the area.
‘’This acquisition strengthens our commitment to contemporary British art, and the In Conversation film offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s journey and creative process."
David Remfry, said: “It gives me enormous pleasure to know that Two Girls on the Shore has joined the Beverley Art Gallery collection.
‘’My exhibition at the gallery last year, A Homecoming, was a real highlight for me, and I felt incredibly grateful to share that body of work with such an engaged and generous audience.
‘’To now have this work permanently housed within the collection feels deeply meaningful — it represents both a continuation of that relationship and a lasting connection to a place and institution that has been so supportive of my practice.”
The acquisition was made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Beverley Art Gallery, Art Fund, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Picture caption : Painting - Two Girls on the Shore, 1963, David Remfry MBE RA RWS, oil on board.
