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Narozen(a) v Braintree, United Kingdom
Edward Bawden: A Life in Art
Born: March 10, 1903, Braintree, Essex, England
Died: November 21, 1989
Nationality: English
Known for: Painting, Illustration, Graphic Art, Prints, Book Covers, Posters, Garden Metalwork Furniture
Early Life and Education
Bawden's early life was shaped by a solitary childhood spent drawing and exploring nature. His parents, Methodist Christians, encouraged his artistic inclinations.
He attended Braintree High School and later the Friends’ School at Saffron Walden.
From 1919 to 1921, he studied at Cambridge School of Art.
In 1922, he received a scholarship to the Royal College of Art School of Design in London, where he studied illustration until 1925. It was here that he met Eric Ravilious, forming a significant artistic partnership.
During this period, Bawden demonstrated early talent with commissions like the tiles for the London Underground exhibited at the International Building Trades Exhibition in 1928.
Artistic Development and Key Works
Early Commercial Work: Bawden's career involved extensive commercial work for companies such as London Transport, Westminster Bank, Twinings, Poole Potteries, Shell-Mex & BP, the Folio Society, Chatto & Windus, and Penguin Books. This honed his skills in graphic design and illustration.
Mural at Morley College: A significant early project was the mural created with Ravilious and Charles Mahoney for Morley College in London (1928-1930).
The Great Bardfield Artists: Bawden became a central figure in the Great Bardfield Arts Group, alongside artists like Eric Ravilious. This community fostered collaboration and shared artistic values.
War Artist: During World War II, Bawden served as an official war artist for the British Army, documenting his experiences in France, North Africa, the Middle East, and Iraq. These works provide a valuable historical record of wartime life.
Distinctive Style: Bawden developed a distinctive style characterized by detailed observation, linear precision, and a blend of humor and melancholy. His watercolours are particularly celebrated for their evocative depictions of landscapes and everyday scenes.
Influences and Legacy
Early Influences: Bawden was influenced by artists like Louis Wain, Burne Jones, Aubrey Beardsley, Richard Doyle, and William Morris.
Contemporary Collaboration: His close collaboration with Eric Ravilious significantly shaped his artistic development.
Later Recognition: Bawden's work gained wider recognition later in life, influencing graphic artists like Edward Gorey and David Gentleman.
Historical Significance: Bawden’s contributions to British art are significant for his versatility as an illustrator, painter, and designer. His wartime documentation provides a unique perspective on the era, while his commercial designs helped shape the visual landscape of mid-20th century Britain.
Family and Later Years
In 1932, Bawden married Charlotte Epton, also an artist and potter. They had two children, Joanna and Richard, both of whom became artists.
The couple lived in Great Bardfield, Essex, for several decades, becoming integral to the local artistic community.
After his wife's death in 1970, Bawden moved to Saffron Walden where he continued working until his death in 1989.
