Ravilious & Co: The Pattern of Friendship

Eric Ravilious is one of the most important British artists of the 20th century, known for his watercolors and wood engravings that capture the spirit of mid-century England. He worked within a wider network of artists, friends, and lovers influenced by Paul Nash's teaching at the Royal College of Art, including Edward Bawden, Barnett Freedman, Enid Marx, Tirzah Garwood, Percy Horton, Peggy Angus, and Helen Binyon. Ravilious & Co. explores how they influenced each other and how a shared experience animated their work, revealing the significance of women artists in British art history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Eric Ravilious, a prominent British artist of the 20th century, has gained recognition for his watercolors and wood engravings that capture the essence of mid-century England. However, his artistic journey is often overshadowed by the fact that he was part of a larger network of artists, friends, and lovers influenced by Paul Nash's teaching at the Royal College of Art. This network included notable figures such as Edward Bawden, Barnett Freedman, Enid Marx, Tirzah Garwood, Percy Horton, Peggy Angus, and Helen Binyon. The Ravilious group, formed by these artists, bridged the gap between fine art and design, creating a distinctive style characterized by its gentle, locally rooted yet spirited nature. Their work became synonymous with contemporary British values.

Eighty years after Ravilious's untimely death, Andy Friend delves into the story of this group of artists, from their student days to the Second World War. In his book, Ravilious & Co., Friend explores how these artists influenced each other and how a shared experience animated their work. He highlights the significance of women artists within this pattern of friendship, whose place in the history of British art has often been neglected. The book is lavishly illustrated with extensive research and a wealth of newly discovered material, making it an enthralling narrative of creative achievement, joy, and tragedy.

Through the lens of Ravilious & Co., we gain a deeper understanding of the artistic landscape of mid-century Britain and the profound impact that these artists had on each other and the world of art. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today, reminding us of the power of friendship, creativity, and the enduring spirit of British art.

Weight: 912g
Dimension: 168 x 240 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500296769