The Mythic Method: Classicism in British Art 1920 - 1950

A curator's talk by Simon Martin about the exhibition 'The Mythic Method: Classicism in British Art 1920-1950' at Pallant House Gallery between 22 October 2016-19 February 2017.

The exhibition considered the subject of classicism and myth in Modern British art between 1920-1950. Featuring 80 works and objects, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography and illustrated books, the exhibition included works by well-known artists such as Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, Madame Yevonde and Wyndham Lewis, whilst exploring the contribution of largely forgotten figures from British art including Edith Rimmington and John Kavanagh. The exhibition provided a new perspective on British art in the early 20th century, challenging the view of modern art as a succession of avant-garde movements and styles, and instead showing how these movements engaged with tradition and myth as a way of dealing with an uncertain present.