"An utterly compelling read - the depth of research is unparalleled and changes the understanding of Alfred Wallis's painting in so many ways. Anybody interested in his work and life needs to read this biography."
Andrew Wilson, ex-senior curator of Modern and Contemporary British Art at Tate Britain
"I am in complete awe of what you have produced in your Wallis book. It is an incredible piece of scholarship. It has completely transformed my understanding and respect for Wallis’s work."
David Tovey, art historian and author
"This definitive work on Alfred Wallis is a brilliantly researched biography, superbly illustrated and presented, with an absorbing free flowing narrative...This year's must read!"
Andy Smith, Curator St.Ives Museum
"Matilda Webb strikes the balance between elegant, accessible storytelling and deep insight into the life of Wallis and his art, approaching this first true biography with a level of diligence in her research, to date unseen in any previous accounts."
Andrew Blair, Wallis family descendant
"A wonderfully researched book. I'm really enjoying it. Already, so many revelations to me - his brother's flogging, Winifred being written out of the "discovery" and the incorrect hanging angle of Schooner Under the Moon. I really like that detail."
Ian Rastrick, Art Collector
"Beautifully written, minutely researched and wonderfully illustrated - this book will stand as the definitive work on the life and art of Alfred Wallis."
Tony Farrell, Wallis/Ward family descendant and St Ives historian
"Your book arrived safely, many thank you's. De and I look forward to learning a great deal from it. Congratulations are in order. Excellent mentioning Mum and Dad, they would be proud."
Den Ward, Wallis/Ward family descendant
"It is a very beautiful volume, and I am sure it will become the authoritative text on Alfred Wallis." Ian Denley, Joseph Denley descendant
"Very moreish and tremendously enjoyable. Academic rigour and readability are not usually found together!"
Jane Bowring, friend
"Book arrived, very well packaged and delivered. Immensely impressed by your scholarship."
Toby Procter
"An engaging read filled with significant detail of this unique artist's life. A beautiful book to own."
Beth Grossman, friend
"The Tome has arrived! It is huge and massively heavy, but looks amazing. Wow! Great illustrations, maps, diagrams etc. I am blown away by it. Think you have done a really fantastic job."
Liz Toll, aunt