#augustus john

Augustus John - Lady Ottoline Morrell (1919)

British Post Impressionist

Augustus John by George Charles Beresford, sepia platinotype print, 1902

Augustus John, The Marchesa Casati, 1919

The Way Down to the Sea, 1909-1911, oil on canvas

A contemporary description records that 'there were few more glamorous young men in Society than 'Archie'. His good looks, charm, and romantic Highland aura were spiced with a touch of daredevilry …' Archibald Sinclair was a life-time associate of Churchill and a dedicated Liberal committed to 'Home Rule' for Scotland. He did much to ensure the continuing life of the Liberal party as its numerical strength dropped between the two World Wars. Like Churchill, he opposed appeasement of Hitler and served him throughout the Second World War.

Augustus John - Portrait of Henry John

In 1910, John began to produce small oil sketches. These brightly coloured depictions of figures and landscapes were painted directly onto wooden panels. They were intended as studies for larger paintings but were commercially very successful. Here, John uses this same approach for a domestic subject. The model is Dorelia McNeill, John’s partner, who features in many of his works. She was known for her distinctive style which was influenced by Romani culture. McNeill is shown here wearing brightly coloured clothes she designed and made herself.