Roger Hilton
The Figured Language of Thought
Andrew Lambirth
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| ‘A vivid, knowledgeable book, handsomely produced and illustrated, which will appeal to all admirers of Hilton’s work’ | | – The Spectator |
‘A handsome production …
the book for most art lovers’ | | – Norbert Lynton, The Times Literary Supplement |
Roger Hilton (1911–75) was one of the pioneers of
British abstract art.
Lavishly illustrated with works from all stages in Hilton’s career, this book provides a visually stunning view over the range of his output. By the early 1950s he had developed a fully abstract style. By the mid-1960s he alternated between figurative subjects, often depicting female nudes, and purely abstract works. His interest in the nude is especially evident in drawings.
In his heyday in the early 1960s he had gained international recognition and was chosen for the XXXII Venice Biennale, where his painting March 1963 won the UNESCO prize. However, despite being much admired as a painter, Hilton’s reputation was marred by bohemian excess and rudeness fuelled by alcohol which would eventually contribute to his early death.
The story of Hilton’s life and career is enlivened by numerous anecdotes recalling the vicissitudes of his personal relationships with other artists, such as Peter Lanyon, Terry Frost and Patrick Heron, all supported by the extensive first-hand evidence and personal memories of his widow, Rose.
Andrew Lambirth is a writer, critic and curator. Currently the art critic for The Spectator, he has written for a wide range of publications including The Sunday Times and The Independent. From 1990 to 2002 he was Contributing Editor of RA, the Royal Academy of Arts magazine. He is the author of numerous art books, including Ken Kiff, L.S. Lowry Conversation Pieces, Craigie Aitchison, Kitaj, Allen Jones and Maggi Hambling: The Works.
Also of interest:
Ken Kiff by Andrew Lambirth
John Hoyland
Nigel Henderson: Parallel of Life and Art |
|  |  | | | | ISBN 0500093342 | | ISBN-13 978-0500093344 | | | | 27.5 x 23.0 cm | | Hardback | | 288pp | | 230 illustrations, 200 in colour | | First published 2007 | | | | £35.00 | | | |  | | | | 
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