At this point in the story John would always grow weary, his voice often hushing to a whisper as if what he was about to impart was painful beyond measure. Following a two year period where he comprehensively documented both his own and the council’s collection, developing extensive plans and publicity for the “Naomi V. Jelish” show, John decided to leave Gravesend and return to South London after his determined efforts to unite the disparate collections of Naomi’s work were repeatedly thwarted. Although he never told me so, it is now apparent that he left Gravesend with several of the council’s holdings.
This exhibition is arranged according to the details John set forth for the show he intended to open, though sadly never realised, at the Towncentric centre in Gravesend. All methods of display, framing and mounting are as John intended the work to be viewed. Where new work has been donated, the documents have been placed in the frames or boxes that John specified for each of the works (he had accounted in great detail for an occasion when all of Naomi’s work would be available to him). All other materials and descriptive labels are presented as John wished.
This show is devoted to the talent of Naomi V. Jelish (John’s preferred method of reporting her name – the title with which Naomi signed all of her early drawings) and to the dedication and tenacity of John Ivesmail. Neither will be forgotten.