Graham Bell, British 1910–1943 - Portrait of a Man; oil on canvas, inscribed with signature and address on the reverse, 61.2 x 51 cm (unframed) Provenance: George Myers (according to the label attached to the reverse); private collection, London...

Graham Bell,
British 1910–1943 -

Portrait of a Man;

oil on canvas, inscribed with signature and address on the reverse, 61.2 x 51 cm (unframed)

Provenance: George Myers (according to the label attached to the reverse); private collection, London

Exhibited: The Arts Council of Great Brtain, London, 'Euston Road et al.', 1948, cat. no.34 (according to the label attached to the reverse)

Note: the artist was one of the founding members of the Euston Road school, alongside William Coldstream and Victor Pasmore. Originally a follower of Duncan Grant, Bell's mature work is characterised by a heightened sense of realism combined with a gentle yet evocative atmosphere. Sadly, the artist's promising career was cut short when he was killed in a training fight during World War II.

In 1947 a book was produced on the artist with an introduction by Sir Kenneth Clark, director of the National Gallery and presenter of the celebrated series 'Civilisation'. Clark described his work as containing 'the pure pleasures of painting and the companionship of a truthful spirit'.

His works are found in major collections including the Tate, the Yale Centre for British Art and Manchester Art Gallery and have been featured in important exhibitions on the Euston Road School of Artists.