The Art of Cedric Morris & Lett-Haines

Published by Gainsborough's House Society, this book accompanies the exhibition 'Revealing Nature: the Art of Cedric Morris & Lett-Haines' at Gainsborough's House from 6th July - 3rd November 2024.

Morris's flower paintings are extraordinary and rightly celebrated. But perhaps it is time to look again at his portraits. Here we see a perceptive and close examination of character beyond simply an accurate capturing of likeness. A celebrated iris and poppy breeder, Morris was an influence on many gardeners, including Beth Chatto. Lett-Haines on the other-hand, has fallen largely into the shadow of his more famous partner, something this exhibition hopes to address. Indeed, this is the first major exhibition to give equal prominence to both artists.

In 1937 Cedric Morris and Lett-Haines jointly set up the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing. Although never an art school in the conventional sense, its alumni include some of the most celebrated names in British art, namely Lucian Freud and Maggi Hambling. Benton end or simply The 'Artist House' as Maggi recalls in the interview for this publication, was established on non-conformists principles and tolerated, if not encouraged, what at that time would have been called 'louche behaviour'. Yet Benton End has become part of the mythology of British art and today the two artists who created it seem more relevant than ever.

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