When Joan Eardley (1921–1963) died of breast cancer aged just 42, she left sitting on her easel a large, unfinished painting titled Two Children. Part of Glasgow Life's permanent collection, the unfinished painting offers a glimpse into Eardley's artistic practice and a sense of endless possibility. This unfinished painting is at the centre of Glasgow Women's Library's current exhibition, 'Kate Downie: Conversations with Joan'.

A long-time admirer of Eardley's work, artist Kate Downie read an article written in 2021 by Dr Joanne Meacock, Glasgow Museum's Curator of British Art, published as part of The Guardian and Art UK's 'Great British Art Tour'. The article, which explored the unique poignancy of Eardley's Two Children, became the catalyst for Downie's new art project. As she explains in the catalogue for 'Conversations with Joan', she set out to 'complete Eardley's unfinished work with reference to her intentions yet bringing it into present times.'

The original idea was to invite a selection of contemporary artists to 'finish' the painting in their own unique ways, whilst remaining true to the original concept. This would culminate in a large, touring, exhibition to mark the centenary of Eardley's birth in 2021. However, this ambitious exhibition was not feasible due to the coronavirus pandemic and budget constraints. Unperturbed, Downie set out to complete the project herself, beginning with lots of research into sibling relationships, care and play.

During this time, Downie often had multiple local children at her studio, either modelling, playing or drawing. As Joanne Meacock explains in the exhibition catalogue: 'Downie got to know the local kids in her area and as she drew them and studied Two Children, she made some remarkable discoveries, most astonishingly the presence of two further children, a baby and a young boy, left ghostlike and unresolved on the canvas.'

On request, Glasgow Museums Resource Centre provided Downie with a colour-perfect inkjet print on canvas sized exactly one metre by one metre. Downie originally planned to paint on top of the print, however, she instead found herself using it as a scale guide to build up a painting from scratch. Downie documented the whole process in diary entries, which give a glimpse into the mind of the artist at work.

'Conversations with Joan' is aptly hosted in Glasgow Women's Library. A one-of-a-kind resource in Scotland, the lending library also holds a fascinating collection that celebrates the lives, histories and achievements of women.

Exhibition highlights include two new works: Four Children 1962–2022 and Dead or Alive, a striking banner co-created with the local children who frequented Downie's studio.

As Dr Caroline Gausden, Development worker for Programming and Curating at Glasgow Women's Library, states in the catalogue: 'This exhibition and resulting publication brings painter-printmaker Kate Downie into an imagined conversation with renowned Scottish painter Joan Eardley. In her work, Downie tackles similar themes to Eardley – the urban landscape (with Eardley capturing life close to our home in the East End of Glasgow), coastal terrain and child portraiture. There is a sense of connection between the two painters, 60 years apart; an understanding in Downie's artistic practice that has deepened through the creation of new works, that directly acknowledge Eardley's influence, retelling stories of care that carry over time.'

Installation view of 'Kate Downie: Conversations with Joan' at Glasgow Women's Library

With the support of the Eardley estate, Glasgow Life Museums has purchased Downie's finished painting Four Children 1962–2022 for its permanent collection.

Eardley's 'Two Children' and Downie's 'Four Children' side by side

You can see 'Kate Downie: Conversations with Joan' at Glasgow Women's Library until 25th January 2025. You can also watch Glasgow Museums' film documenting Joanna Meacock's visit to Kate Downie's studio to discuss the project.