The St Ives School

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The picturesque town of St Ives, Cornwall, has long been a haven for artists, its rugged coastline and unique light providing endless inspiration. In 1928, artists Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) and Christopher Wood visited St Ives, where they encountered the naïve artist Alfred Wallis. Wallis’s work had a profound influence on Nicholson, accelerating his move towards modernism and abstraction. By the outbreak of the Second World War, Nicholson and his new wife, Barbara Hepworth, had settled in the area. Their presence, along with that of Naum Gabo, attracted other artists, solidifying St Ives’ reputation as an artistic hub.

^{▲ Ben Nicholson OM (1894-1982), 'Mug and Jug', c.1928 (£10,000-15,000)}

Nicholson’s work during this period is characterised by a refined simplicity and geometric precision, influenced by his interactions with European modernists like Mondrian. His role in the St Ives School was pivotal, as he helped establish the Penwith Society of Arts, providing a platform for modernist artists in Cornwall.

Around 1950, a cohort of younger artists began to congregate in St Ives, joining forces with Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. Despite not viewing themselves as a formal group or school, these artists shared a common interest in abstraction and a deep appreciation for the local landscape, which profoundly inspired much of their work.

^{▲ Roger Hilton (1911-1975), 'July 1960' (£45,000-60,000)}

One such artist was Roger Hilton (1911-1975), who began his association with the St Ives School in the late 1950s and moved to the area permanently in 1965. His work was deeply influenced by European avantgarde movements such as CoBrA. Hilton’s paintings from this period are marked by a raw, expressive quality that captures the essence of his surroundings. Along with large oil paintings, we will offer an interesting selection of works on paper, showcasing his talents as a draughtsman to create both sensitive and delicate works as well as the comical and sometimes absurd.

^{▲ Peter Lanyon (1918-1964), Porthleven, 1962 (£120,000 - £150,000)}

Unique in this group as a native of St Ives, Peter Lanyon (1918-1964) brought a dynamic energy to landscape painting. His works, often inspired by his experiences as a glider pilot, capture the rugged beauty of the Cornish coast with a unique abstract sensibility. Lanyon’s innovative approach to landscape painting combined elements of Constructivism and Abstract Expressionism. His deep connection to St Ives and its landscape is evident in his paintings. Sworders is pleased to offer eleven diverse works by the artist, many depicting the local area, ranging from small drawings and abstract monotypes to vibrant reliefs, and a mammoth 9-metre long gouache of Porthleven.

The interconnections between these artists and their shared commitment to innovation and experimentation have been significant and the St Ives School represents a crucial chapter in the history of 20th-century British art. The works of Lanyon, Nicholson, and Hilton continue to inspire and captivate, and we are excited to present the artwork we have on offer in our upcoming auction.

Tuesday 15 April | 10am

pictures@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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