John Craxton: A Life of Gifts

John Craxton, a British artist influenced by Blake, Palmer, Miró, and Picasso, was born into a large, musical, and bohemian family in London. His work evolved as a personal response to Byzantine mosaics, El Greco, and the art of Greek life, and Ian Collins expands our understanding of the artist, including an in-depth exploration of his friendship with Lucian Freud.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

John Craxton, a British artist born into a large, musical, and bohemian family in London in 1922, is often referred to as a Neo-Romantic, although he preferred to describe himself as a "kind of Arcadian." His early artistic influences included Blake, Palmer, Miró, and Picasso. After fulfilling a lifelong dream of relocating to Greece, Craxton's artistic journey underwent a profound transformation as a personal response to Byzantine mosaics, El Greco, and the vibrant art of Greek life. This captivating book presents his remarkable story for the first time, weaving together moments of excitement, humor, and poignant reflection. Through the vivid illustrations of Craxton, Ian Collins greatly enhances our understanding of the artist, delving into the intricate and complicated friendship between Craxton and Lucian Freud, drawing upon letters and memories that Craxton intended to keep private until after his passing.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 215 x 141 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270556