Description:
Bringing to light the art and life of Derwent Lees (1884-1931), an Australian painter who studied and taught at the Slade School of Art in the decade preceding and including the First World War, this comprehensive monograph includes a complete catalogue of the artist's known works. Embedded within London's art world, Lees counted Augustus John, J.D. Innes, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Ambrose McEvoy as his close friends. He exhibited works in prominent London galleries and at the 1913 New York Armory show from his travels in England, Wales, France and Poland. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he was confined to mental asylums from 1919. This publication provides a definitive account of Lees's life and impressive body of work and will stand as a primary reference resource on the artist for many years to come.
Review Quotes: 'An indispensable book. For the first time, we have a rigorously researched and definitive biography of Derwent Lees accompanied by a catalogue raisonné. Lynn Davies has prepared this book assiduously, correcting misinformation that has perpetuated since the artist's death.' - John Hoole, curator, writer and former Director of the Barbican Galleries, London