You’re invited to Whistler and his Muse. Join Whistler biographer Daniel E. Sutherland in conversation with novelist Cherry Smyth for an evening illuminating the artist’s life through some of his most well-known paintings, including those of his model and muse Joanna Hiffernan, the subject of Smyth’s novel Hold Still.

Tickets cost £8 redeemable against the purchase of the authors’ books on the night of the event, with a complimentary glass of wine. Please email events@hatchards.co.uk

James Abbot McNeil Whistler was an intense, introspective and complex man who has remained as elusive as his art has become iconic. Daniel Sutherland’s Whistler: A Life for Art’s Sake is the first biography in more than twenty years, and the first to make full use of the artist’s private correspondence.

Daniel E Sutherland is distinguished professor of history at the University of Arkansas. He is the recipient of more than fifty awards, honours and grants and consultant on a documentary film of Whistler’s life shown on PBS in America.

Hold Still is set in 1860s London and Paris, and is a fictional account of a short period in the life of Joanna Hiffernan, the muse and model of both James Whistler and Gustave Courbet. It features the painting of Symphony in White No 1 and 2 and paints a fascinating picture of James Whister seen through Joanna’s eyes.

Cherry Smyth is a poet, art critic and curator, born in Ireland and based in London. She published several full length poetry collections and short fiction and essays in a wide range of literary and arts magazines. Hold Still is her first novel.

Daniel Sutherland’s Whistler: A Life for Art’s Sake is published by Yale University Press and Hold Still is published by Holland Park Press.

We thank Hatchards for organising this event.