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The Second World War was a telling time for the surrealist movement in Britain. Mesens had closed the London Gallery by the end of July 1939 and had stopped publishing London Bulletin after the June 1940 issue. Penrose joined the Home Guard and spent his time designing camouflage. In Birmingham, however, Conroy Maddox kept the surrealist flag flying throughout the war and stepped up his artistic production. Turning to figuration for the first time, he executed several works that record the devastation of the bombing. However, in defiance of everyday tragedy, he continued to produce brightly-coloured lyrical works that celebrated innocence and playfulness. Even in the depths of the War, his work was full of comical, childlike creatures enacting mysterious rituals.

Conroy Maddox (1912-2005)

Natural Attraction

Details

Conroy Maddox (1912-2005)
Natural Attraction
signed and dated 'Conroy Maddox 43' (lower right)
gouache
10 x 14¼ in. (25.4 x 36.2 cm.)

Provenance

Purchased directly from the artist by the present owner's nephew.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Sale room notice

Please note the correct title for this work is: Mutual Attraction. Please note the work is also inscribed and dated 'MUTUAL ATTRACTION/gouache 43 (on the reverse)

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Natural Attraction

Lot Essay

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