ROBIN CRAIG GUTHRIE (1902-1972)

"The Big Hat"

Oil on canvas

Painter, draughtsman, illustrator and teacher, born in Harting, Sussex and the son of the artist and printer James Joshua Guthrie. He was the first husband of the artist Kathleen Guthrie, then marrying Deborah Dering, a dancer with Ballet Rambert. He studied at Slade School of Fine Art, 1918-22 with Philip Wilson Steer and Henry Tonks; Guthrie like Tonks was a fine, sensitive draughtsman, especially of portraits. In 1930, the Boston School of Fine Art asked Tonks to recommend two of his outstanding ex-pupils to help regenerate the school as Joint Directors. Guthrie and Rodney Burn were given the job for a two year period; most of his work from that period sold in America.

Upon return from The States, the family settled in the village of Bramber in the Adur valley near Brighton. A succession of teaching jobs in London art schools helped to pay the bills. His marriage broke down; in 1939 he moved to Bayswater, becoming established in London as a portrait artist. After his second marriage broke down in 1964, he spent weekends in the country near Chichester, where landscape painting became his relaxation after the rigours of portraits and soon became his best work.

He died suddenly in London at the age of 68, a traditionalist who remained sceptical about most of the developments of twentieth century art.

Exhibitions: He exhibited at the New English Art Club, of which he was a member, and also at the Tate gallery among others. The Tate, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and National Portrait Gallery hold his work.

Museums: The Tate, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and National Portrait Gallery hold his work.

Stock no. MB MG 625

23" x 21"

61 cm x 54 cm