Chris Stephens

David Fraser Jenkins

Augustus John (1878-1961) was a hugely charismatic and colourful figure, his technical skill as a draughtsman matched by his bohemian manners and dashing appearance. In the pre-war years he epitomised the rebellious artist, travelling the country in a caravan and learning Romany as a result of the time he spent with gypsies. An official War artist during the first war, he subsequently took up a career as a portraitist, painting the leading literary figures of his day as well as inheriting Sargent's mantle as a painter of Society. Gwen John (1876-1939) studied at the Slade along with Augustus, leaving in the same year (1898). She then studied in Paris under Whistler, adopting his remarkable control of colour. In 1904 she settled permanently in France, where she earned a living as a model for artists including Rodin, who became her lover. The opposite of her brother both in personality and artistically, she favoured introspective subjects, and led a reclusive life.

On the Occasion of the Exhibition "Gwen John and Augustus John", Tate Britain, London 29 September 2004-9 January 2005 and Touring to National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff 12 February - 15 May 2005

Gwen John and Augustus John

Cecily Langdale

Profiles the life of the British artist, analyzes her artistic style, and examines the development of her painting

An Interior Life

Gwen John

John Piper

Born in 1903, John Piper is one of the most versatile of 20th-century British artists - a virtuoso of pen and brush. He has always had a passion for English architecture, which is reflected in the collection of watercolours and prints acquired from him by his friends the Lewins over a period of some 30 years.

David Fraser Jenkins

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