John Latham

John Latham was a trailblazer in British conceptual art, igniting controversy and leaving an enduring legacy through his work in painting, sculpture, performances, assemblages, films, installations, and prolific writings.  

Biography of John Latham

Born in Northern Rhodesia (now Maramba, Zambia) in 1921, John Latham received his education at Winchester College in England. During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, commanding a motor torpedo boat. After the war, he pursued studies in art, first at the Regent Street Polytechnic and later at the Chelsea College of Art and Design. In 1951, he married fellow artist and collaborator Barbara Steveni in Westminster.

Latham's art, centered around events, had a significant impact on performance art. In 1966, he participated in the Destruction in Art Symposium in London.

From 1983 onward, Latham resided and worked at his residence known as Flat Time House in Peckham. In 1991, he created "God is Great (no. 2)," a conceptual artwork featuring cut copies of the Bible, Quran, and a volume of the Talmud attached to glass sheets. 

In 2003, Latham designated his house and studio as a living sculpture, naming it FTHo after his time theory, "Flat Time." Until his passing, he welcomed anyone interested in discussing art into his home. Latham passed away at Kings College Hospital in Camberwell in 2006.

Flat Time House opened as a gallery in 2008, hosting exhibitions and events exploring Latham's practice, theoretical concepts, and their ongoing relevance. It also serves as a hub for alternative learning, housing the John Latham Archive and providing space for artist residencies.

In 2017, Latham's work was featured in the main exhibition of the 57th Venice Biennale.