Victor Pasmore: Architect of Abstract Form
An exploration of the life and work of a pivotal British artist who pioneered abstract art and constructivism, influencing modern art and architectural design.
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Early Life and Education
Birth and Background
Edwin John Victor Pasmore was born on December 3, 1908, in Chelsham, Surrey, England. His early education took place at Summer Fields School in Oxford, followed by Harrow School in west London. The untimely death of his father in 1927 necessitated his entry into an administrative role at the London County Council, temporarily pausing his artistic pursuits.
Artistic Foundations
Pasmore pursued painting part-time at the Central School of Art. He became associated with the formation of the Euston Road School, an influential group focused on representational art. Initially, his work explored a lyrical figurative style, drawing inspiration from masters like Turner and Whistler, particularly in his depictions of the River Thames.
Conscientious Objection
During the Second World War, Pasmore registered as a conscientious objector. After being denied recognition by his Local Tribunal, he was called up for military service in 1942. His refusal to comply led to a court-martial and a prison sentence, which ultimately qualified him for an Appellate Tribunal that granted him unconditional exemption from military service.
Artistic Career Trajectory
The Figurative Years (1927–1947)
Pasmore's early artistic endeavors, beginning around 1927, were characterized by a figurative approach. An early exhibition of his works was held at the Zwemmer Gallery in London in 1934. During this period, his style showed influences from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters such as Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne, focusing on capturing the essence of his subjects with a lyrical quality.
Recognition and Awards
Pasmore's significant contributions to the art world were recognized through various accolades. He represented Britain at the prestigious Venice Biennale in 1961, a testament to his international standing. He was also a participating artist at Documenta II in Kassel in 1959 and served as a trustee of the Tate Gallery, further cementing his influence in the art establishment.
The Figurative Years: 1927–1947
Early Style and Influences
From 1927 onwards, Victor Pasmore developed his artistic practice within a figurative framework. His early works, exhibited at the Zwemmer Gallery in London in 1934, demonstrated an engagement with the styles of Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne. He often depicted scenes such as views of the River Thames from Hammersmith, capturing light and atmosphere with a sensitivity reminiscent of these earlier masters.
The Break into Abstraction (1948–1954)
Conceptual Shift
Pasmore's artistic evolution took a significant turn around 1947, marking his transition into abstract art. This pivotal shift was profoundly influenced by the theoretical and visual contributions of artists like Piet Mondrian and Paul Klee. Their exploration of nature and the creation of dynamic harmony resonated with Pasmore's vision for art as a reflection of future societal harmony.
Pioneering Constructivism
Following the Second World War, Pasmore became a leading figure in the revival of interest in Constructivism in Britain. Influenced by artists associated with the journal Circle, such as Ben Nicholson, Pasmore began creating abstract works using collage and relief constructions. His innovative use of new materials and his exploration of large-scale, architectural forms were groundbreaking. Art critic Herbert Read famously described this new direction as "The most revolutionary event in post-war British art."
Art and Architecture Synthesis
Pasmore's interest in integrating art with architecture became a defining characteristic of his later career. In 1955, he was appointed Consulting Director of Architectural Design for the Peterlee development corporation. His vision culminated in the creation of the 'Apollo Pavilion' in Peterlee, an abstract public art structure. Despite initial local criticism regarding the Development Corporation's broader failures, Pasmore staunchly defended his work. The Pavilion, after years of neglect, underwent restoration in 2009, securing its place as a significant piece of public art.
Educational Influence and Mentorship
Shaping Art Education
Victor Pasmore was instrumental in promoting abstract art and reforming fine art education in the UK. From 1943 to 1949, he taught at Camberwell School of Art. There, he mentored students like Terry Frost, advising him to prioritize self-directed study at institutions like the National Gallery over formal curriculum constraints.
Bauhaus Inspiration
Between 1950 and 1954, Pasmore taught at the Central School of Art. Subsequently, from 1954 to 1961, he held a teaching position at King's College, University of Durham (now Newcastle University). Here, he developed a progressive art and design course heavily inspired by the foundational 'basic course' of the Bauhaus. This curriculum became a model for higher arts education across the United Kingdom. Richard Hamilton succeeded him in this role.
Personal Life and Later Years
Family and Relationships
In 1940, Victor Pasmore married the artist Wendy Blood. Together, they raised two children, a son and a daughter. His personal life continued alongside his artistic and professional endeavors.
Relocation and Passing
Pasmore relocated to Malta in 1966, continuing his artistic practice from his residence in Gudja. He passed away on January 23, 1998, at the age of 89. His later years were spent in Malta, a place that became his home and likely influenced his continued creative output.
Enduring Legacy
The Victor Pasmore Gallery
Victor Pasmore's legacy is preserved through dedicated institutions and collections. On November 3, 2014, the Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with the Victor Pasmore Foundation, inaugurated the Victor Pasmore Gallery. Located within the bank's premises at the Polverista Gallery, this permanent exhibition showcases works discovered in Pasmore's Maltese and London residences. The collection primarily features paintings and constructions created during his time living in Malta, offering profound insight into his later artistic period.
Further Exploration
Related Works
Explore related artistic creations, such as Pasmore's 1998 painting titled Abstract painting.
References
Source Citations
The following references were used in the compilation of this information:
Further Reading
Scholarly Works
- Grieve, Alastair, Constructed Abstract Art in England: A Neglected Avant-Garde, Yale University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0300107036
- Grieve, Alastair (editor), Victor Pasmore: Towards a New Reality, Tate Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978-1848222083
- Bowness, Alan and Lambertini, Luigi, Victor Pasmore: With a Catalogue Raisonne of Paintings, Constructions and Graphics, 1926-79, Thames & Hudson, 1980. ISBN 978-0500091449
External Resources
Online Archives and Collections
- Art UK: Victor Pasmore artworks
- Central Bank of Malta: Victor Pasmore Gallery
- Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti
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References
References
- Ford, Boris (ed.) (1988). The Cambridge Guide to the Arts in Britain: Volume 9, Since the Second World War. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. p. 104.
- Radical innovation in art, architecture and art education in the North East.
- Tate: Wendy Pasmore | Tate, accessdate: 22 August 2014
- bookroomartpress.co.uk: Pasmore, Victor Biography, accessdate: 22 August 2014
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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and has been refined for clarity and depth suitable for higher education students. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information may not be entirely exhaustive, up-to-date, or free from interpretation.
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