Robin Ball - War Artist, Eardley + the London Art Fair

Robin Ball - War Artist

As briefly mentioned a few weeks ago, we were delighted to recently discover the work of the late Robin Ball (1910 – 79), a wonderful artist of 1930s to 70s and one who produced some memorable works both during and immediately prior to the second world war. With works rightly held by the Imperial War Museum, Robin was undeniably a very talented fellow, showing an aptitude for art at an early age and going on to study at the Royal College of art, there awarded a travelling scholarship through Europe only curtailed by the outbreak of war.

Robin’s early influences were the newspaper cartoons of the early 1920s, and it’s an often humorous slant on difficult subjects that stands his work apart. Take Gas Mask Practice from 1938; here we see a local community being shown how to fit and use gas masks, in readiness for the impending conflict in Europe. Within the painting we can see an unhappy boy, a courting couple, even Hitler makes an appearance assisting with the day!

Active service but always with pencil and paper

Robin served in the Royal Artillery during the war, helping set up and man heavy anti-aircraft positions on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. For the course of the war he was virtually never without pencil, colours and paper even when on active duty. Many of his works depict the ordinary, the daily routine of the squaddie; In Convoy, circa 1942 is one such example amongst many others.

Nash and Spencer influence

One of our favourites is the Nash/Spencer-like Reveille painting from 1940. Likely a depiction whilst on basic training, it shows the soldier being abruptly woken by the Reveille, usually a wake-up call through bugle or drums.

Domestic preparations

Away from army life, Robin Ball also produced what can only be described as an astounding painting of domestic preparations; Preparing for War, Hastings, 1940 shows the town filled with its inhabitants, all making various war/invasion preparations and in typical manner, placing a humorous slant to proceedings.

Joan Eardley and London Art Fair

Two final mentions. Firstly, we have re-acquired two top-tier works by the late Joan Eardley which we originally sold a few years ago. Shown here is Little Brother, circa 1962 and one of the most charming and tender works of the Samson children in Glasgow that we’ve ever seen. Just exquisite.

Finally, in just over two weeks time, we’ll be exhibiting at the London Art Fair, 21-26^th January. It’s always a great start to our art-year and we have a small number of complimentary tickets, should anyone have a desire/need; please just let us know.

All for now,

Steve and Christine