Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler was more a man of the world particularly of Great Britain. In fact, he famously stated “I shall be born when and where I want, and I do not choose to be born in Lowell.” Nonetheless, this moody artistic genius gets his due locally, embraced for the next few months with a show at the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover on the Phillips Academy campus. The show – a part of the Gallery’s winter offering – is  “An American in London: Whistler and the Thames.” According to Kelly Burch in today’s Eagle-Tribune the showing “… features more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings created in London by Whistler.. who  settled in England in 1859.”

This 1862 oil on canvas by Whistler, entitled “The Last of Old Westminster,” is loaned from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and will be on display at the Addison Gallery as part of the “An American in London” exhibit.

If You Go What: Opening reception for the winter season. Where: The Addison Gallery of American Art, 180 Main St, Andover (on the Phillips Academy campus). When: Friday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. How: Event is free. For more information call 978-749-4015 or visit the website at www.addisongallery.org

Learn more here: http://www.eagletribune.com/lifestyle/x651202427/Through-Whistlers-Eyes