Vivan Bewick
Anti-aircraft battery in action

Gouache
28 x 20 cm
Signed and dated in bottom left hand corner.

This striking gouache depicts an anti-aircraft battery in action: shots are being fired, smoke is billowing, the night sky is illuminated by the flashes of artillery. Through his skilful creation of silhouettes, Bewick fosters an undeniable feeling of suspense, as is characteristic of his wartime work.

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.

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