Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines: a radical art school

16 Nov 2024-23 Feb 2025

Overview

Delve into the groundbreaking artistic careers of Cedric Morris (1889–1982) and Arthur Lett-Haines (1894–1978). More than just partners in art, they shared a loving queer relationship for sixty remarkable years, during which they transformed the world of art education.

In 1937, Morris and Lett-Haines founded the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing. Their Suffolk home, Benton End, became a hub of creativity and innovation where students were encouraged to develop their unique styles, free from traditional academic constraints. Here they fostered a sense of community, creativity and experimentation. This radical approach shaped the careers of many influential artists, including Prunella Clough, Lucian Freud, and Maggi Hambling.

The exhibition features over 80 pieces from private collections and public institutions reflecting the practice of both artists across their lives together. It shows the diversity of Morris’ artistic body of work, from his expressive flower paintings and still lifes to his evocative portraits and landscapes, whilst recognising Lett-Haines’ significant contributions to surrealist art in Britain through rarely exhibited paintings and sculptures. The exhibition also showcases works by their renowned students, Lucian Freud and Maggi Hambling, a moving testament to how their style was shaped by the teachings and creative environment at Benton End.

Together, these works underscore the profound impact Morris and Lett-Haines had on contemporary art.