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An evening of living history with Edward Hicks!

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Nelson Camp as Edward Hicks painting

 General Meeting at HLA on Monday, April 26, at 8pm, we honored the life of our famous resident Edward Hicks, who was born on April 4, 1780 in the building that is now known as "The Langhorne Coffee Shop". Actor Nelson Camp brought Edward Hicks back to life with his fine acting skills. Mr. Camp is the Director of Theater Arts at the George School.
 

Nelson Camp as Hicks

Hicks painting, the peaceable Kingdom

 Nelson approaches the story of Hick's life through slide projections of many examples of both the artwork and some of the important buildings. "He told the audience that I've been 'away' for over one hundred and fifty years, and although it can be bewildering to return, it sure beats the alternative, I perform as closely to my conception of Hicks as I can based on all the research I've done, and on my instincts as a playwright and actor." Edward Hicks was taught how to paint for a living, yet Quakers at that time frowned on 'frivolous painting' that he was afraid of being rejected by the Quakers.

Hicks lecture

Hicks, never go in debt

 There are many paradoxes with his character, which make him intriguing. He wanted to be humble and modest like most Quakers he admired, yet there was a flamboyant and passionate side of his personality that was heatedly charismatic. He was an inspired speaker among Quakers urging directness and simplicity in religious affairs, and yet he became part of a movement which formed a schism in the Quaker religion. He was opposed to slavery, yet reluctant to speak publicly about those convictions. "I think he was in a way responsible for transforming the Quaker attitudes towards Art, although he would be very embarrassed to hear that.", said Nelson Camp. "Hicks was definitely a powerful presence in his time.
 

Nelson Camp lectures

Nelson Camp talking with members

Lecture pictures and Hicks House article by Sally Valone

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