Annie Haslam Artwork

There's a small town called New Hope, just North of Philly on the Delaware river.  It's a quaint little town of shops, restaurants, B&B's, and art galleries.

My wife and I were strolling past a shop called Celt-Iberia Traders when I noticed a sign out front "Featuring the artwork of Annie Haslam".

Curious, I asked the proprietor if this was the same Annie Haslam, lead singer for Rennaissance.  Yes indeed it was!  He took me upstairs to the gallery where there were a dozen or so original paintings on display and for sale.  He explained that this was the only studio where she sells her work.  Apparently she lives nearby.

I ended up buying a piece called "King Midas", with an obvious nod to her song "Midas Man" on the Novella album.  It is acrylic on a 9x12 canvas, signed on the back by Annie.

We almost had an opportunity to meet her, as she often pops into the shop somewhat irregularly, but we were next door watching "42 Street" at the Bucks County Playhouse.  Sadly we missed her.  But I get to go home with a fantastic piece of art of hers that I will display proudly and cherish forever.

"Two summers ago, attending the craft show at Tyler State Park in Bucks County, PA, I strolled through the rows of craftspeople and their wares. At the last row, last stall was a woman selling her hand-painted/fired ceramic tiles.  She was about 5'2', dressed in white, probably in her early 60's. I said, "hello" and began to look at the tiles.  Eventually, I saw her name on the banner pinned to the back of her stall, "Annie Haslam [painted tiles]".  "That's really funny", I thought, "that's the same name as the lead singer for Renaissance."  Then I noticed a standing ad she had for an upcoming concert with her appearing.  With Renaissance.  WTF??? Yes, it was Annie, who lives in the area.  As I realized this another guy, standing there with his jaw open, turned to me and mouthed, "I know, Annie Haslam!" Nobody else seemed to be aware of her.  I was gobsmacked."  

I think her artwork is interesting. I don't love it to pieces but I don't hate it either. I think she's good but it's just not my favorite style. The colors in that piece above are outstanding though. 

I actually met her in New Hope. Not sure if it was the same place but it could have been. I got my picture taken with her too. I didn't talk to her for a really long time maybe just a few minutes. She seemed pleasant enough though. This was maybe ten years ago or so. I actually live in the general area and can attest that yes she does live in the area also. She even showed up one year at Nearfest as a guest artist(which was after I met her in New Hope)but I didn't get a chance to talk to her then.

Anyway, as a side note I also get the feeling that she knows Peter Hammill. At a nearby nature center I remember seeing the names Peter Hammill and Annie Haslam in the guest book. I don't believe they have collaborated but I'm pretty sure they know each other and are friends.  

She seems to know most of the big names of 70s prog quite well, has performed alongside Hackett and Curved Air, has provided guest vocals for Wetton, even Caravan when they did a re-release of an old track and Ian Anderson played flute on one of the tracks of Grandine Il Vento.  And usually has positive things to say about other singers/musicians.  The only one she ever publicly sl*g.ed off, Graham Fellows, became news though.

Miles Davis by Joni Mitchell for your pleasure (MD did like the portrait she made)

Interesting portrait!