British surrealism started with William Blake and Henri Fuseli, or so curator Dr David Boyd Haycock claims. We may think of Salvador Dalí and René Magritte when we think of surrealism, but this exhibition will chart the little-explored rise of their British counterparts, whose own, distinct flavour was formed in the trenches of the first world war.
This exhibition will bring together 70 etchings, sculptures and prints by more than 30 artists, including Eileen Agar, Francis Bacon, Henry Moore and Paul Nash. Just as their European peers did, these artists explored the subconscious mind, desire and the uncanny, but they were also inspired by anarchy, violence and war. Highlights will include Edwards Burra's Dancing Skeletons (1934) and John Armstrong's Heaviness of Sleep (1938).
The Dulwich Picture Gallery are known for putting on colourful exhibitions and this one promises to be especially playful. Expect mischief, surprises and new discoveries, not to mention some unsettling imaginings.
| What | British Surrealism 1783–1952, Dulwich Picture Gallery |
| Where | Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London, SE21 7AD | MAP |
| When |
26 Feb 20 – 17 May 20, Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Closed Mondays, except bank holidays |
| Price | £tbc |
| Website | Click here for more information |
