JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER | Film: “An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision.” - James McNeill Whistler

17 September 2026 

EVENING & MATINEE SCREENINGS

 

In an era of great change and great beauty emerged the character of James McNeill Whistler. Considered by some to be one of the great innovators of 19th century art, he was a contemporary of the Impressionists, much admired by Van Gogh and Manet. Boldly experimental and famously witty, Whistler disrupted the strict conventions of Victorian society in pursuit of a new cult of beauty, creating “art for art’s sake” and earning himself a place in the history of great art. He found a parallel between painting and music, and entitled many of his paintings “arrangements”, “harmonies” and “nocturnes”, emphasizing the importance of tonal harmony in his work.

His most famous painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (1871), commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, is a revered and often parodied portrait of motherhood. It is arguably one of the most famous paintings in history and this film will unveil the artist behind the art.

Tate Britain is now holding the first major retrospective of Whistler in three decades. This blockbuster exhibition promises to reawaken the world to just how important Whistler is to art history, uniting world-famous masterpieces with rarely seen works. Exhibition on Screen will bring these stunning works and the incredible story behind them to cinemas around the world while the exhibition is still running, bringing this truly global artist to a global audience. This will be an unmissable chance to get to know this visually spectacular artist and the influence he has had on those who followed.

Made in close collaboration with Tate Britain.

 

Directed by David Bickerstaff

90 mins

2026

 

Both screenings - Thursday 17th September 2026

 

MATINEE

Doors open: 1pm

Screening: 1:30pm

 

EVENING

Doors open: 6pm

Screening: 6:30pm

 

Ticket £12 (includes a complimentary glass of wine)

 

Important Notice to Ticket Holders - Tickets are non-refundable/exchangable

Purchase tickets

Matinee - Admit 1
JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER | Film
12.00
Evening - Admit 1
JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER | Film
12.00