Regarded as one Britain’s most celebrated artists, Pasmore achieved acclaim as both a figurative and abstract painter, and is most well-known for pioneering the development of abstract art in Britain in the 1940s.
Throughout his career, Pasmore explored many different ventures within his artistic practice and was also a leading theorist in abstract art. In 1954, Pasmore and Richard Hamilton revolutionised a new teaching method which aimed to unleash the potential of abstract art, after he was elected Master of Painting at King’s College, Durham University.
After experimenting with abstract painting in the early 1930s, Pasmore reverted to a style which evoked a Cézannesque form of realism in portraits and landscapes, for which he was highly regarded. In a move met with criticism, and a shock to many of his contemporaries, Pasmore abandoned visual representation by the late 1940s and began creating abstract linear forms and collage, soon developing into relief constructions during the 1950s.
Following his first retrospective at the Arts Council Gallery in Cambridge in 1955, Pasmore represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1960 and joined Marlborough Fine Art one year later, by which time he was painting organic abstract forms opposed to the constructivist works. In 1964, Pasmore explained to art critic Charles Spencer, ‘I now realise that I am a painter, and quite content to paint’. His previous constructivist works, consisting of wood, plastic and aluminium, softened into painterly, natural forms and curves with a vibrant colour palette.
This bold change in direction can perhaps be accredited to Pasmore’s permanent relocation to Malta in 1966, with a number of his later works depicting vast planes of colour with very little form, reminiscent of the Mediterranean landscape. Despite this stark change in both Pasmore’s artistic style and surroundings, he stated, ‘One is subconsciously affected by one’s environment, but I haven’t tried consciously in any way to represent the light of the Mediterranean’.
Works completed in the later stages of Pasmore’s career show a new and unexpected style of intense, vibrant colours and free-flowing form conveyed through new techniques such as sponge and spray painting, which can be seen in both The Cloud in the West, 1987-88, and The Birth of Spring, 1990.
The exhibition conveys Pasmore’s appetite for new ideas and inspiration, which is prevalent throughout the many strands of his varied career. The works on display demonstrate the peak in Pasmore’s abstract practice and his unique place in 20th century British art.
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with a text written by art historian Frances Spalding.
Born in 1908 in Surrey, Pasmore was educated at Harrow School where his interest in painting began. From 1927, he studied under A.S. Hartrick at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, during which time he discovered the revolutionary School of Paris. In 1933, he was elected as a member of the London Artists’ Association headed by Roger Fry and Duncan Grant. Pasmore, William Coldstream and Claude Rogers formed an independent private art school, The Euston Road School, in 1937. In 1954 he was appointed Consulting Director of Urban Design for the South West Area, Peterlee New Town in Country Durham.
Pasmore held positions as Director of Painting at Camberwell School of Art and Head of the Department of Painting at King’s College Durham University, as well as lecturing at Harvard University. He was awarded Honorary degrees from the Royal College of Art and the University of Warwick and was presented with a C.B.E in 1959. He became a Trustee of the Tate Gallery in 1963-4 and was elected a Royal Academician in 1983. Pasmore’s work can be found in major museums and public collections worldwide including: Tate Britain (UK), Royal Academy of Arts (UK), Museum of Modern Art (USA), The British Council (UK) and Yale Center for British Art (USA) amongst others.
Venue Marlborough Fine Art
Address6 Albemarle Street, London, Greater London,
Explore localWhat's on in London
Local tourist information guide
Other eventsWhat's on at Marlborough Fine Art
Main photo may be copyright © Pelham
Nearest Hotels
Staying overnight in London?
We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels near the vicinity of the Victor Pasmore Exhibition event in London.
The Ritz London
Overlooking Londons Green Park is the world-famous The Ritz London. This stunning Neoclassical building offers the height of opulence with luxurious bedrooms, exquisite British cuisine, and classic afternoon teas..
Holiday Inn London Mayfair
On the corner of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street, Holiday Inn Mayfair is in Londons premier hotel district. Green Park, Regent Street and West End glamour are all within a few minutes walk..
Arlington House Apartments
Arlington House Apartments are set in the heart of St. James and many come with impressive views overlooking Green Park. The apartments are only a 10-minute walk from Oxford Street and Leicester Square and 20 minutes walk from Covent Garden.
The May Fair Hotel
Opened by King George V in 1927, this luxurious 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of Mayfair, surrounded by the parks, theatres and attractions of Londons West End..
St James Hotel &
With an exclusive club and a Michelin-starred restaurant, this stunning 5-star hotel is in the heart of elegant Mayfair. St James Hotel & Club is just a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace..
Ryder Street Chambers
Ryder Street Chambers offers accommodation in London. Piccadilly Circus is 400 metres from the property. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
View all hotels near Marlborough Fine Art
Your comments:
comments powered by DisqusDisclaimer: This event is not organised by BritEvents, and we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, errors, or omissions. Always check the information provided before you book tickets.