Surrealist landscape; the reverse with a keeper's cottage, possibly Wales
oil on canvas, unframed
50.5 x 61cm

Provenance:
Gifted by the artist to Bettina Shaw-Lawrence
thence by descent within the family

Cedric Morris and Bettina Shaw-Lawrence shared a relationship shaped by their artistic sensibilities and mutual admiration. Initially meeting in 1939, introduced Morris' students, David Kentish and Lucian Freud, Shaw-Lawrence, then a promising young artist, was drawn to Morris’s bold vision and charismatic personality. Their friendship flourished as they discovered shared interests in art, nature, and travel, with Morris becoming something of a mentor figure to the younger Shaw-Lawrence.

Their friendship deepened over time, with Shaw-Lawrence becoming a frequent visitor to Benton End, the Suffolk home Morris shared with his partner, Arthur Lett-Haines. Benton End was more than a residence; it was a hub for creativity, hosting a thriving community of artists, writers, and thinkers. Here, amidst Morris’s famed gardens, Shaw-Lawrence found inspiration and a space to develop her artistic voice. Though their lives diverged at times, their bond endured, leaving an enduring imprint on both their careers and demonstrating the profound influence they had on each other’s artistic lives.

The present work was likely painted during the 1930s and is believed to depict a Welsh landscape and, on the reverse, a Welsh keeper's cottage. During this time, when industry was in decline, poverty was tangible, and national morale was at an all-time low, resources were limited, as demonstrated by this double-sided work. Previously kept by the family of Bettina Shaw-Lawrence, this is the first time the present lot has been offered at auction.

We are grateful to Hugh St. Clair for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.

Condition Report

In our opinion this appears to be in original, untouched condition, with no fluorescence under UV. The varnish with typical yellowing, this is even and uniform throughout apart from the outermost edges which show the original colours. The reverse slightly more rought and dirty in and with some blooming to the fence structure. Would benefit overall from a light clean. The edges of the canvas with tacks.