An exhibition of Dufy’s painting and textiles is currently showing at the Singer museum in Laren until 11 Jan 2015. Raoul Dufy (1877 – 1953) was a French Fauvist painter. He developed a colourful, decorative style that became fashionable for designs of ceramics and textiles, as well as decorative schemes for public buildings.

Joie de Vivre
Unlike so many painters, Dufy didn’t suffer from artistic angst. He revelled in the joy of life’s everyday epiphanies. The sparkle of light on water, bunting flapping in the wind, an azure sky or the joyful anticipation amongst the hubbub of a day at the races – those sublime and yet ordinary moments lie at the heart of Dufy’s work. One large exhibition space is also devoted to his textile designs. Exotic animal and bird prints in vivacious colours look so contemporary that a well-heeled lady from ‘t Gooi could easily wear them to a special occasion today and look fashionable and unique.

Desparate Dutch Housewives
Laren is a picturesque town, in the south eastern corner of North Holland, part of the area, ‘t Gooi, (from het Gouw, the Shire) where media types live and relax. Shops and restaurants cater to the more mature lady with time and money on her hands; colloquially known as Gooise Matrassen. These decadent ladies even had their own TV series, starring Linda de Mol. Holland’s answer to Sex and the City; Gooise Vrouwen, ran from 2004-2009.

Getting There
The Museum Café serves good food, has garden seating, or eat indoors and enjoy the Tiffany lamps and Art Deco interior. Laren is about 20 minutes drive by car from Amsterdam or take the train to Hilversum and catch bus 108 to bus stop, The Brink, Laren. Plan your door to door trip via 9292.nl