Edith Florence
"Blote"
Wife of
A J Munnings
Sep 4 1888
July 24 1914
From:
Beth Munnings-Winter
(Tue Oct 17 19:41:57 2006)
She had the grace and countenance of an angel.
From:
fran reynolds
(Sun Sep 9 19:16:30 2007)
what a sad and tragic short life. she was an artist in her own right. youngest daughter of joseph edmund carter wood and evelyn alice carter wood. thank you for recording her memorial. may she rest in peace.
From:
Juliet Blaxland
(Thu Sep 20 13:55:53 2007)
The painting "The Morning Ride" showing Blote in her prime, on Merrilegs, in the most gloriously dappled light, captured with passion by (not-yet-Sir) Alfred Munnings before he married her, is the most mesmerising memorial to Blote's short life. Jonathan Smith's book "Summer in February" tells the story of the whole Lamorna tribe with touching immediacy.
From:
Bill Cunliffe
(Thu Jul 22 10:06:49 2010)
If only Gilbert had spoken of his feelings earlier, Blote might not have taken her life in such a drastic fashion. One can only guess as to how things might otherwise have turned out.
From:
Jackie Wood
(Tue Jan 25 17:30:23 2011)
The book by Jonathan Swift about Florence is a worthy read. It is so emotionally charged and a really good read. Would make a brilliant film and would bring more people to know the tragic story. Please read if you are interested in art and tragedy. Thank you for posting this, having read the book, I didn't expect to be able to see something like this.
From:
Gloria Townsin
(Tue Nov 1 20:20:22 2011)
So pleased this is now being filmed.
From:
Rose Ashwell
(Sun Apr 1 06:23:41 2012)
After reading Jonathan Smith's book I went to Sancreed and was amazed to find Blote's grave. Someone was still putting fresh flowers there after nearly a hundred years. Such a sad life for her.
From:
Rose Ashwell
(Sun Apr 1 06:23:44 2012)
After reading Jonathan Smith's book I went to Sancreed and was amazed to find Blote's grave. Someone was still putting fresh flowers there after nearly a hundred years. Such a sad life for her.
From:
Berny Male
(Wed Apr 10 08:16:36 2013)
Just read Summer in February, so sad for a life cut so short
From:
Billie Appleton
(Sun May 12 08:11:16 2013)
I am an admirer of Munnings work and the other Newlyn School Artists. I recently visited Castle House in Dedham where I bought Jonathan Smith's book which I really enjoyed and am looking forward to the film. I lived in Cornwall for a time and am a fan of the Penlee Gallery. Does anyone know if any paintings by "Blote" can be viewed anywhere?
From:
Andrew Nicholls
(Fri Jun 14 19:44:27 2013)
See the film!! 'Summer in February' is released 14/6/13. The wish of Jackie Wood has come true - Now millions (hopefully!) will now know the tragic story, so beautifully and sympathetically portrayed on film with a realistic Cornish setting and very closely following the true events. (You may have to search for a local showing - it does not seem to be hitting the multi-screens.) (Screened in Little Theatre Bath 14/6/13 Release Day)
From:
Margaret Pruen
(Sat Jun 15 17:08:12 2013)
Just seen the film. Helps to bring the Newlyn school to life and that moving to the Far West does not mean escaping from life's complex relationships.
From:
RVH
(Sun Jun 16 07:09:48 2013)
I saw the film last night at the Royal Academy.It is charming, well acted; and beautifully filmed - and it is good to know that both AJ and Gilbert went on to have happier lives.
From:
Andrew Murphy
(Tue Jul 2 11:56:25 2013)
Great film. Alfred Munnings came as an "Oliver Reed"sort of personality. I wonder if he was like that in real life.
From:
DAVID GREGORY
(Wed Jul 3 12:47:55 2013)
Visit the grave last weekend, it is cloaked with the most fragrant white shrub rose now in full bloom. Any idea why she was buried in Sancreed ?
From:
Elizabeth Tyrrell
(Fri Jul 5 12:03:46 2013)
Can anyone tell me the title of the film? I loved the book and would like to know more about the wonderful group of artists. To see the story on film would be an absolute bonus.
From:
alli bryant
(Wed Jul 24 02:15:38 2013)
beautiful story - book and film. visited grave, thrift is the flower to leave! it would have made her smile.
From:
Norman Marshall
(Sun Dec 29 08:06:38 2013)
Excellent book and film. I hope to visit the grave at some point. My aunt and uncle were in service to the Carter-Woods at their Silloth (Cumberland) home.
From:
Carol Milner
(Fri Jan 3 12:43:39 2014)
Have just watched the DVD of the film having read the book last year - would love to visit Lamorna Cove now!
From:
Carol Milner
(Fri Jan 3 12:44:41 2014)
Have just watched the DVD of the film having read the book last year - would love to visit Lamorna Cove now!
From:
Alan Broadbear
(Tue Mar 25 09:47:55 2014)
Have read the book and seen the film - both very moving.
Recently wandered the hauntingly beautiful Lamorna Valley and surrounding cliffs in glorious spring sunshine, with the daffodils and camellias in full bloom. It is easy to see how this landscape inspired such great art. Such a shame to see the former Cliff House Hotel (mostly recently known as The Cove Restaurant) now empty and in decline, and the cove severely damaged by the recent storms.
From:
steven mason
(Sun Aug 7 02:23:29 2016)
me:no intrest in art or painting.my wife read the book,and we visited lamorna,And I was smitten wiyh everything,heart wrenching love story,and a dramatic place to visit,spent every day of our holiday in and around Lamorna cove,finding out as much as possible about,Gilbert,AJ,and Bloute
From:
Anne Dunn
(Tue Mar 21 19:04:49 2017)
I visited Lamorna cove some years ago , and stayed in the Hotel as well as visiting the Wink pub. I had not heard of this lady Florence or her tragic story. I had come to see where my favourite author Derek Tanguy lived . A very beautiful spot for sure..
From:
jon robertshaw
(Thu Aug 30 09:22:34 2018)
In the days that Florence died, after a suicide,one's body could not be buried in consecrated ground. However, the compassionate vicar at Sancreed in 1914 buried her body in Sancreed Churchyard. God Bless him and Forence in His Love which cannot die! Thanks to Jesus who has overcome death!
From:
Sue Eddy
(Sat Jul 17 11:40:20 2021)
I shall come to see where you lie one day. RIP.
From:
Beth Munnings-Winter
(Sun Apr 9 09:06:01 2023)
Read "Summear in February" (and watch the film) with a grain of salt! There's no evidence that Gilbert and Florence were lovers, no evidence that she was pregnant at the time of death, and no evidence that Alfred did anything but love his wife, who'd tried to take her own life long before she arrived at Lamorna.