Edward Burra

Edward Burra was an English painter, draughtsman, and printmaker renowned for his vivid portrayals of the urban underworld, Black culture, and the Harlem scene of the 1930s.

Biography of Edward Burra

Edward John Burra was born in 1905 in Elvaston Place, London. He attended preparatory school at Northaw Place in Potters Bar, but in 1917, he contracted pneumonia and had to leave school, subsequently receiving his education at home. He pursued art studies at the Chelsea School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art under Randolph Schwabe and Raymond Coxon.

In 1925, he contracted rheumatic fever while traveling in Italy. Later, he met Paul Nash. In February 1928, Nash offered to teach Burra wood engraving. Later that year, in May, Burra was commissioned by Crawfords to design vehicle advertising signs, but his designs were ultimately rejected.

His first solo exhibition was held at the Leicester Galleries in 1929. He also exhibited with the London Group and participated in key exhibitions like "Recent Developments in British Painting" in 1931. Burra was involved with Unit One and the English Surrealists during the 1930s.

The artist traveled extensively, and his works reflect a range of influences. His paintings, typically large-scale watercolors, are characterized by their vibrant colors. During World War II, when travel became impossible, he turned his talents to designing scenery and costumes for ballet, opera, and theatre.

Burra was awarded a CBE in 1971. He had a retrospective at the Tate Gallery in 1973. After breaking his hip in 1974, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away in 1976.