Edward Burra

About

This is the first major exhibition for over twenty-five years of the work of Edward Burra (1905-1976), providing the opportunity to reassess one of the most individual and celebrated British artists of the twentieth century. Burra created a large body of memorable paintings during his lifetime, characterized by their unusually powerful handling of the watercolour medium and his singular taste for the macabre. For much of his life the artist lived in the picturesque Sussex town of Rye from which he travelled widely to such countries as France, Spain, Mexico and the USA. Some of his most memorable images were inspired by these trips, notably his ‘low life' scenes of sailors and prostitutes in the southern ports of France and his affectionate depictions of 1930s Harlem and Boston nightlife that led him to be described as the ‘best painter of the American Scene.' Burra's love of theatrical spectacle, film and ballet, was exuberantly expressed in his depictions of music halls and movie stars. He was also one of the greatest British designers for the stage of the twentieth century and created striking décor and costumes for several notable ballets and operas, the designs for which have been brought together in this exhibition for the first time. EDWARD BURRA is a Pallant House Gallery touring exhibition, curated by Simon Martin. The exhibition has been sponsored by Lefevre Fine Art Ltd and supported by the Pallant House Gallery Edward Burra Supporters' Circle