Remarkable British artist, Dame Laura Knight was the first woman to be elected to full membership of the Royal Academy in 1936 and the first woman to be given a solo exhibition there in 1965. Following Knight’s death in 1970 her realist style fell out of fashion and her work became largely overlooked until the late 20th century, which saw several presentations focused on particular elements of her practice.

This beautifully illustrated book, which accompanies a major exhibition at MK Gallery, provides an overview of Laura Knight’s illustrious career. From her training aged just 13 at Nottingham Art School, through her time in the Netherlands and North Yorkshire, the early influences on Knight are explored alongside her time spent in a Cornish artist commune - the birthplace for her popular plein-air paintings. Knight’s poignant, and undoubtedly contemporary, portraits of the traveller community in Buckinghamshire, women working in wartime factories and those in Baltimore’s racially segregated hospital wards showcase everyday life for marginalised communities during the early twentieth century; whereas her scenes of ballet and theatre show the heights of culture amidst the coming of war.

Featuring previously unseen paintings and an exploration of Knight’s less well-known graphic works and work in design, including ceramics, jewellery and costumes, this selection of works reflect Knight’s enduring interest in the everyday activities of people from all walks of life.