Ravilious & Co.

June 1, 2017

This book follows the lives of talented British artists and designers of the 1920s and 1930s. Most of them met as classmates at London's Royal College of Art. The focus is on Eric Ravilious (1903-42), now known for his beautifully composed rural landscapes in watercolor. The circle included Peggy Angus, Edward Bawden, Douglas Percy Bliss, Charlotte Epton, Barnett Freedman, Percy Horton, Enid Marx, and Ravilious's wife, "Tirzah" Garwood. Ravilious expert Friend is cocurator of a touring exhibition about the group for the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, East Sussex. His narrative shifts among the various figures. With Britain beset by economic woes, most of the group struggled to earn a living making art. However, the friends managed to borrow or rent cottages where they could sketch and paint together. As Britain mobilized for conflict, some in the group were contracted as war artists. The book ends with the death of Ravilious while serving with the RAF. Numerous illustrations showcase a variety of the assured art and design works produced during the period. VERDICT Friend has captured all aspects and successes of these dedicated artists. This book should inspire readers curious about 20th-century British art and design.--David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC

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