Overview

William Gear (1915-1997) is best known for his work with the CoBrA Group with whom he exhibited in Amsterdam and Copenhagen in 1949. However, beyond this association Gear had a long and successful career in his own right. This book charts his remarkable artistic journey. Born in Fife, Scotland, William Gear studied at Edinburgh College of Art. His artistic apprenticeship was distinguished; it featured a travelling scholarship which included a period of study with Fernand Leger in Paris. After serving in World War II, Gear pursued his career in earnest and was soon exhibiting his work within the international arena. Alongside his connections with Cobra, Gear enjoyed domestic accolades which included the Festival of Britain Purchase Prize (1951), membership of the London Group (1952) and the title of Senior Royal Academician (1995). These achievements, alongside many other highlights, are discussed in John McEwen's overview of Gear's career.

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9780853318675

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Reviews

'... a very welcome addition to our understanding of later 20th century British modern art. McEwen's text is both lucid and informative and backed by a comprehensive array of illustrations.' Galleries 'John McEwen's brief but handsome book is a useful reminder of the energy and public-spiritedness of an essentially European artist who brought a little lyricism to our shores.' Andrew lambirth, The Spectator '... a good balance between the biographical details of his life and the stylistic development of his paintings...' Arlis Newsheet 'John McEwen's well-researched monograph is a belated study on a scandalously neglected frontrunner... The lavish quarter-, half- and full-page colour reproductions [are] liberally distributed throughout... In one of the most revealing and absorbing passages in the book, McEwen opens an art-historical can of worms when comparing the respective reputations of two American and British contemporaries.' Peter Davies, The Art Book 'John McEwen's book [...] is the first monograph on the artist and so is very welcome. It was written at the invitation of the artist's family: McEwen has been able to delve deeply into Gear's archive and his description of the artist's work is neatly interwoven with a precise biographical record. Useful appendices are provided giving exhibitions, public collections and a select bibliography.' Philip Long, Journal of the Scottish Society for Art History '... an enormously enjoyable monograph that is an absolute pleasure to read.' Scottish Art News

Author Information

John McEwen is the author of several art books, including the monographs The Sculpture of Michael Sandle and Patrick Procktor.

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