Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious, John Aldridge, Marianne Straub and Sheila Robinson were some among a large, loosely knit artistic community focused on Great Bardfield and nearby villages. These artists worked as painters, print-makers, ceramic and fabric designers, eschewing the traditional divisions between art and craft. They used bold forms and clear bright colours in paintings of both the local countryside and further afield: they were a true Essex avant-garde. We also explore fascinating watercolours made by Kenneth Rowntree, Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious during WW2, depicting home and overseas fronts, including Iraq, Lebanon and Iceland. One class explores the concepts of avant-garde and artistic community, comparing artists who worked in and around Great Bardfield with some other wonderful artists who worked on their own in Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond.
Additional information about this course
Half term date: 16/02/2022
Course aim
This course introduces Great Bardfield, a fascinating 20c artistic community. We explore paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics and fabric by a multi-talented group of men and women, including WW2 commissions to Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand the significance of artwork, artists and the artistic community of Great Bardfield, within the limits of a one term course.
- Talk about artists and artwork associated with Great Bardfield within the limits of an introductory course.
- Recognise some paintings, prints and designs by artists associated with Great Bardfield.
- Have increased enjoyment in looking at artwork.
What else do I need to know?
Nothing else is needed.
View full course information sheet
