Borough Group
TheBorough Groupwas a collective of mid-20th-century artists from theBorougharea ofSouthwark,South London.The group was associated withDavid Bomberg,who was then teaching a number of the artists that formed the group at theBorough Polytechnic,hence the name.[1]
Cliff Holdenfounded the Borough Group in 1946[2]with the purpose of developing the ideas of fellow artist Bomberg,[3]who taught at the then Borough Polytechnic during the 1940s and 1950s, and was the leading light of the movement.[4]Not to be confused with the later Borough Bottega (1953–c.1955), which was founded later by Bomberg as a consciously hierarchical organisation that emulated his understanding of a Renaissance-style workshop.[5]
In 1944, Holden met Bomberg at theCity Literary InstituteinLondonwhere the latter was teaching. In 1945, Bomberg began to teach evening Art classes at the Borough Polytechnic (nowLondon South Bank University) until 1954 when he taught at theBartlett School of Architecture.Holden initiated the group after consultation with Bomberg himself.Edna Mann,Dorothy Mead,andPeter Richmond(later Miles Richmond) were other founding members. Holden was first president of the group during 1946–48 at the suggestion of Bomberg.[6]The group then extended to 11 members, includingDennis Creffield(best known for his drawings of English cathedrals), and Bomberg became president. The Borough Group was active until Spring 1951. During its existence, the group organised seven major exhibitions.[6]The group reorganized with new members during 1953–56 as the Borough Bottega.[7][8]Bomberg died a year later in 1957.
There are many reminders of Bomberg's teaching at the Borough Polytechnic at the present day University. Several works by Bomberg and Miles Peter Richmond hang around LSBU's campus and a student hall of residence is named after Bomberg,David Bomberg HouseonBorough High Street.[9]The collection of theTate Galleryincludes paintings by Bomberg.[10]
As of 2011[update],aHeritage Lottery Fundgrant has been raised to allow a permanent display on David Bomberg and the Borough Group to be set up at London South Bank University, to open in Spring 2012.[11]
Members
[edit]Members of the Borough Group included:
- David Bomberg[8][12]
- Lilian Holt Bomberg[12][8]
- Dennis Creffield[12]
- Cliff Holden[12][8]
- Edna Mann[12][8]
- Leslie Marr[12][8]
- Dorothy Mead[12][8]
- Dinora Mendelson[12][8]
- Dorothy Missen[12]
- Len Missen[12]
- Miles Peter Richmond[12][8]
See also
[edit]- Borough Road Gallery,opened 2012
- List of British artists
References
[edit]- ^"The Borough Group".Artonline. Archived fromthe originalon 11 October 2008.Retrieved24 September2018.
- ^Westbury, Douglas (2004–2011)."The Borough Group".Cliff Holden, UK.Retrieved24 September2018.
- ^Millis, Katie (12 February 2007)."Bomberg & The Borough Group At Pallant House Gallery".Culture 24.Retrieved9 April2011.
- ^"A Lasting Legacy".Connected.6.London South Bank University:11–13. Spring 2009.
- ^Aspinall, Kate (18 December 2020)."Artist Versus Teacher: The Problem of David Bomberg's Pedagogical Legacy".Tate Papers.Retrieved18 December2020.
- ^ab"Cliff Holden, FCSD"(PDF).Honorary Awards 2006.London South Bank University,UK. 2006.Retrieved20 April2011.
- ^"Borough Group".Encyclopedia.Retrieved9 April2011.
- ^abcdefghi"Borough Group | Artist Biographies".artbiogs.co.uk.Retrieved16 March2018.
- ^"LSBU Residences: David Bomberg House".London South Bank University,UK.Retrieved9 April2011.
- ^"David Bomberg".Tate Gallery,UK.Retrieved10 April2011.
- ^"The legacy of David Bomberg and the Borough Group".Connected.11.London South Bank University:5. Autumn 2011.
- ^abcdefghijkMarr, Leslie (27 October 2017)."Leslie Marr on the formation of the Borough Group".Borough Road Collection Archive.