The British Neo-Romantics:The Essence of a Bygone Era

art movement

Farm Yard, John Craxton, oil on canvas

In the tumultuous years of the early 20th century, amidst the looming threat of Nazi invasion and the isolation caused by World War II, a group of British artists embarked on a creative journey that would give rise to a distinctive and enigmatic artistic movement known as the British Neo-Romantics. Rooted in a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the British landscape, this loosely associated group of artists produced a body of work that continues to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors today.

The Birth of Neo-Romanticism

The Neo-Romantics emerged on the artistic scene in 1942 when critic Raymond Mortimer noted a resurgence of the romantic spirit in British art. This revival was characterized by emotional depictions of Britain's landscape and rural architecture, painted in a dark and earthy palette. While drawing inspiration from the works of Samuel Palmer and William Blake, the Neo-Romantics infused their creations with a sense of foreboding, perhaps reflecting the uncertain times in which they lived.

The Gleaning Field , Samuel Palmer 1833, Photo © Tate, CREATIVE COMMONS LICENCES - CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0 (Unported)

John Piper, one of the prominent figures of the movement, eloquently expressed the Neo-Romantic sentiment. With the threat of Nazi invasion and the isolation imposed by the war, the idea of 'roots' took on new significance. Instead of destroying their roots, the artists nurtured and clung to them. This led to a profound exploration of the natural beauty of Britain, including its landscapes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, gorges, ruins, and cliffs - all of which had previously been somewhat neglected in favor of more modern and abstract approaches to art.

Diversity Within Unity

The term 'Neo-Romantics' is somewhat problematic as a unifying term because, despite the common thread running through their work, there was no manifesto and little sense of joint purpose among the artists. John Craxton, for instance, preferred to define himself as a 'kind of Arcadian.' However, the artists were linked by a shared sensibility that transcended their differences.

A Wide Spectrum of Talents

The British Neo-Romantics spanned several generations, from established artists like Paul Nash, born in 1889, to younger talents such as Michael Ayrton and John Craxton, born in the early 1920s. The younger group, including Robert Colquhoun, Keith Vaughan, Robert MacBryde, and John Minton, shared a unique perspective shaped by society's rejection of their homosexuality. Their work often explored themes of identity and human connection, both in intense portraits and in depictions of solitary figures in the landscape.

Influence and Recognition

Crucifixion, 1946 Graham Sutherland OM, ACQUISITION: Purchased Tate, 1947

Despite the absence of a formal movement, the artistic output of the Neo-Romantics during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s has not gone unnoticed. Their works are cherished for their distinctively British qualities, created before the revolutionary impact of Abstract Expressionism and Pop art. In 1987, the exhibition 'A Paradise Lost: The Neo-Romantic Imagination in Britain 1935-80,' curated by David Mellor at the Barbican, played a pivotal role in reigniting interest in this unique movement.

Art collectors have increasingly recognized the historical and aesthetic value of Neo-Romantic artworks. In 2011, Graham Sutherland's The Crucifixion set an auction record by selling for £713,250 at Sotheby's London, well above its estimated value. Similarly, John Craxton's Sleeping Fisherman achieved £277,250 in 2012, exceeding its estimated price. Most recently, Bonhams established a new record with Craxton's Summer Triptych, which fetched £343,300 in 2023.

A Resurgence of Interest

The Neo-Romantics are experiencing a resurgence of interest, driven in part by new collectors seeking alternatives to the increasingly expensive works of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. Strong exhibitions and publications have also contributed to this renewed fascination with the movement. The British Neo-Romantics may have lacked a formal manifesto or a singular sense of purpose, but their collective artistic output is undeniably powerful.

Through their emotional evocations of the British landscape, the human figure, and their unique interpretations of beauty, they left an indelible mark on the art world. Today, their works continue to inspire and captivate, reminding us of a bygone era filled with both foreboding and nostalgia.

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