Ewart Johns | Stack c.1951 (Abstract Art)

This Ewart Johns painting does have touch of the Henry Moore about it. Painted circa 1951 as an oil on canvas it is not only ‘of it’s time’ but we feel one of his strongest early compositions almost taking on a human like quality. Perhaps Stack reflects Fishwick’s influences on the young Ewart Johns? A classic Mid Century Modern British painting and a super British Art collector’s piece.

Ewart Johns (1923 – 2013) was not merely an artist but a visionary whose profound love for drawing, painting, and the broader arts defined both his life and career.

Hailing from Barry, South Wales, Johns embarked on a journey that took him from the picturesque landscapes of Wales where he studied drawing classes with Ceri Richards in 1942/43 at Cardiff College of Art, to the bustling cities of Cambridge, London, and Exeter, each destination leaving an indelible mark on his artistic sensibilities.

Johns studied painting with Clifford Fishwick in 1948 at Exeter College of Art and had a multifaceted career which saw him seamlessly blend academia with freelance artistic pursuits, leaving an enduring legacy in both realms. His appointment as the founding head of the Department of Visual Arts at Lancaster University in 1972 marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in the field of art education.

Throughout his life, Johns had an unwavering passion for exploring line, form, and colour in his artistic expression. His extensive body of work, characterized by a bold originality garnered widespread acclaim and recognition, with exhibitions held across Britain and his paintings finding a permanent place in esteemed collections such as those of the University of Exeter and St John's College, Cambridge.

Johns commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation persisted even in his later years, as he explored new ways of expressing visual concepts through sculpture despite the challenges posed by deteriorating eyesight. In February 2013 Ewart Johns passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Reference Number: 075EJ