Roland Penrose

Sir Roland Penrose (14 October 1903 - 23 April 1984) was an English artist, historian and poet. He was a major promoter and collector of modern art and an associate of the surrealists in the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
14 October - 1903 - 23 April - 1984 - English - Surrealist

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He organised the International Surrealist Exhibition in 1936, which led to the establishment of the English surrealist movement. After the outbreak of World War II Penrose worked for the Royal Engineering Corps putting his artistic talents to use as part of a camouflage unit, mostly in north Africa.

Related Topics:
World War II - Royal Engineering Corps

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After the war he co-founded the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, with the art critic and writer Sir Herbert Read in 1947. He produced a number of books, which cover the works of his friends Picasso, Ernst, Miro, Man Ray and Tapies. He was also a trustee of the Tate Gallery.

Related Topics:
Institute of Contemporary Arts - London - Art critic - Writer - Sir Herbert Read - 1947 - Picasso - Ernst - Miro - Man Ray - Tapies - Tate Gallery

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His bold and enigmatic surrealist paintings, drawings and objects are some of the most enduring images of the movement. He is remembered for his postcard collages, examples of which are found in major national collections across Britain.

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He was awarded the CBE in 1960 and he was knighted for his services to the visual arts in 1966. The University of Sussex awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Letters in 1980.

Related Topics:
CBE - 1960 - Visual arts - 1966 - University of Sussex - 1980

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He was married twice:

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• 1) Valentine Boue (1925-1937)
• 2) Lee Miller (1947-1977) and they had a son Antony Penrose.