Vivan Bewick
Searchlight Battery
Pencil and gouache
22 x 13 cm
Signed and dated to lower left.

This striking multimedia composition depicts two operators working as part of a searchlight battery, a specialised unit tasked with operating the powerful searchlights in the air defence systems of the Second World War. His use of clean horizontal and perpendicular lines gives a certain depth to this unique work. In addition to this, the contrast between Bewick’s use of dark gouache and the white of the flash lights creates a strong impression of illumination, making this piece stand out in any room.

Vivian Bewick (1912–1999) was a British artist and educator, notable for his contributions to mid-20th-century art and his role as a tutor at the Buckhurst Hill Community Association (BHCA). He was also a descendant of Thomas Bewick, the renowned 19th-century engraver celebrated for his depictions of birds and animals.

While fulfilling his military duties in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, Bewick maintained his artistic pursuits. He contributed to the wall-newspaper “Swillbin,” a tradition from the First World War, and designed army Christmas cards. Additionally, he illustrated technical manuals and conducted art classes and exhibitions, with critiques by James Bateman R.A. After the war, Bewick continued his artistic education and career, spending five years at St. Martin’s School of Art and London University. He also engaged in part-time teaching of adults in art clubs, societies, and colleges and exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Paris Salon, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, and the Royal Society of British Artists.

Condition: Generally very good.

If you are interested, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.