Edward Seago

Overview

This is the definitive account of the life and work of Edward Seago (1910-1974), the highly popular, versatile and talented British painter whose work was inspired by John Sell Cotman, John Constable and Alfred Munnings.Over 200 colour reproductions are complemented by an engaging text which highlights important periods, episodes and acquaintances from Seago's life and career. Full of anecdotes, sketches and quotations from the artist's books and correspondence, the author provides a vivid impression of Seago's character which helps inform discussion of the outstanding imagery which he created. Including important examples of works from all stages of Seago's career, this book reproduces beautiful landscapes, vibrant circus images, dramatic seascapes and paintings inspired by the artist's travels aboard. A true celebration of a powerful body of 20th-century British painting, Edward Seago will be an invaluable addition to the libraries of collectors, dealers and enthusiasts alike.

Reviews

"With some 400 illustrations it traces the artist's life. from his beginnings as a sickly child to his spirited battle with a fatal illness, and is full of anecdotes about his friends, lovers, patrons, travels and inspirations, as well as his periods spent with a travelling circus and as a war artist." —Country Life

"[This] new book fully evokes the romance of a roving, painterly life which began when Seago joined a travelling circus, continued through war-time travels and was sustained most importantly by voyages on an ocean-going ketch as an artist adventurer sailed in search of subjects." —Eastern Daily Press

"This new and authoritative overview of the artist's career reveals his great skill - one that was often overlooked by the artistic establishment, although his popularity has remained steadfast with the British public." —Leisure Painter

"Nowhere is the phrase 'beautifully illustrated book' more apt than in describing the 200-plus illustrations in this record of the work of one of Norfolk's favourite artists." —Eastern Daily Press

"To announce itself as a definitive account is a bold claim. However, a generous selection of illustrations, and account of the artist's life full of anecdote and quotation, mean that this new book lives up to it. James Russell manages the balance between straightforward biography and an account of the artist's working methods with aplomb. But the prize must be the generous number (over 200) of colour illustrations that feature more than the landscapes for which Seago is best known. These include images from Venice, Antarctica and Hong Kong as well as more formal works featuring the Royal Family and the 1953 Coronation Procession. This is a sumptuous volume that covers the totality of Seago's life and work in context." —Artist

Author Biography

James Russell is a passionate advocate of 20th-century British painting and design. His books include the popular four-volume series Ravilious in Pictures and Paul Nash in Pictures: Landscape and Dream.