Thomas Hennell: The Land and the Mind

Thomas Hennell (1903–1945) was a British watercolourist who found his perfect medium, producing work that was expressive and technically perfect. He discovered his love of the English countryside during an idyllic childhood in rural Kent and later developed an appreciation of England's traditions and crafts. In the early 1930s, he suffered a severe breakdown and spent three years in mental hospitals. His remarkable talent for friendship survived his years of mental turmoil, and he was appointed an official war artist in 1943, yielding commissions in Iceland and northern Europe. His portrayal of wars brutality is shocking, and he disappeared in late October 1945 in circumstances which Jessica Kilburn recreates more fully than in any previous account.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 04 March 2021
\n Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd
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He was a visionary painter who aimed to capture the fleeting essence of the moment. In his watercolors, he found his true medium, creating works that were both expressive and technically flawless, as praised by his fellow artist Edward Bawden.

Hennell's journey began in the picturesque countryside of rural Kent, where he nurtured a deep love for the English landscape. From a young age, he explored its fields, farms, and woods, immersing himself in the beauty and tranquility of nature. His curiosity and adventurous spirit led him to discover the rich traditions and crafts of England, further enriching his artistic perspective.

Much of Hennell's work reflects the changing countryside, imbuing his sense of loss with poetic intensity. He captured the transient beauty of seasons, the cycles of growth and decay, and the melancholic nostalgia that accompanies the passing of time. His paintings evoke a sense of longing and a longing for a simpler, more innocent era.

In the early 1930s, Hennell faced a severe mental breakdown that would shape his artistic journey. He spent three years in mental hospitals, where he grappled with his demons and battled the stigma surrounding mental illness. Despite the challenges he faced, Hennell's remarkable talent for friendship endured. His ability to connect with people on a profound level allowed him to maintain meaningful relationships throughout his life.

Jessica Kilburn's new biography, "Hennell: The Man and His Art," brings Hennell to life through a series of extracts from his letters to friends and personal accounts by those who knew him. The book offers a captivating glimpse into the artist's life and work, shedding light on his struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact he had on the art world.

Hennell's final years were exceptionally productive. In 1943, he was appointed an official war artist, a testament to his talent and his commitment to documenting the realities of war. His paintings of devastated French towns and emaciated prisoners of war are haunting and powerful, conveying the brutality and human cost of conflict.

After the interwar pastoral evocations of England, Hennell's portrayal of war's brutality is shocking. His images of devastated cities and the suffering of the innocent are a testament to his ability to capture the human toll of war.

Hennell's artistic journey took him to various destinations, including Iceland and northern Europe. His final posting was to the Far East, where he was caught up in the struggle for independence in Java. Tragically, Hennell disappeared in late October 1945 under circumstances that remain shrouded in mystery.

Hennell's legacy as an artist continues to inspire and resonate with people worldwide. His ability to capture the essence of the moment and his profound connection with the natural world make his work timeless and relevant. His life and art remind us of the power of art to heal, to connect, and to shed light on the human experience.

In conclusion, Thomas Hennell was a visionary painter who sought to capture the transient quality of the moment. Through his watercolors, he found his true medium, creating works that were both expressive and technically flawless. His journey began in the picturesque countryside of rural Kent, where he nurtured a deep love for the English landscape. Despite facing personal challenges, Hennell's remarkable talent for friendship and his commitment to documenting the realities of war left a lasting impact on the art world. His paintings evoke a sense of longing and a longing for a simpler, more innocent era, reminding us of the human cost of conflict and the power of art to heal and connect.

\n Weight: 1978g\n
Dimension: 243 x 294 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781910258620\n \n