mary fedden

Mary Fedden, OBE, RA, RWA (1915 – 2012)

Mary Fedden (1915-2012) was a British artist known for her distinctive style of still-life and landscape paintings. Her work is characterized by bold colours, flattened forms, and simplified compositions, which create a sense of harmony and balance.

Early Life and Education

Mary Fedden was born in Bristol, England in 1915. She studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1932 to 1936, where she was influenced by the work of artists such as Walter Sickert and Ben Nicholson. After completing her studies, she worked as an artist and teacher in London, exhibiting her work at the Royal Academy and other prominent galleries.

Career Highlights

Fedden's work gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, when she became associated with the Kitchen Sink School of artists who focused on everyday subjects and domestic scenes. She was also part of the Royal Academy of Arts, serving as its first female treasurer in the 1990s.

Fedden's paintings often depicted domestic objects, such as teapots, vases, and fruit, arranged in simple compositions that emphasized their shape and colour. She was also known for her landscapes, which captured the beauty of the English countryside with a sense of tranquility and peace.

In addition to her paintings, Fedden was also a talented printmaker and designed ceramics, often collaborating with her husband, the artist Julian Trevelyan.

Legacy

Mary Fedden's work has been exhibited around the world and is held in many public and private collections, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the British Council Collection.

Her influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as David Hockney and Lucian Freud, who shared her interest in depicting everyday objects and scenes with simplicity and clarity.

Conclusion

Mary Fedden's work is a testament to the power of simplicity and colour in art. Her distinctive style and subject matter continue to inspire artists today, and her legacy as one of the foremost British artists of the 20th century is secure. If you're interested in learning more about Mary Fedden, we recommend visiting the Tate Gallery in London or exploring her work online.

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