Prunella Clough

Prunella Clough is widely regarded as one of the most important Modern British artists. Born in 1919 in London, she enjoyed a privileged upbringing. Creativity was a family trait; her father, Eric Taylor was a poet and her aunt, Eileen Gray, the immensely influential designer. Clough began her formal art studies at the Chelsea School of Art in 1937. In 1938 she took a sculpting class with Henry Moore there. During the war years (1939-1945), Clough worked drafting maps and charts for the Office of War Information. By 1946 she was back studying at the Camberwell School of Art with Victor Pasmore. A practicing artist her entire life, Clough also taught art part-time first at Chelsea School of Art from 1956-1969 and then Wimbledon School of Art, 1966-1997. In her dual roles as artist and teacher Clough’s influence on Art in Britain in the second half of the 20th century was significant. Creating paintings, prints and collages Clough celebrated the post-war industrial landscape of her native London, East Anglia and the Midlands. Industrial works featured prominently too. By the 1960’s Clough’s work became more abstract. Blue Sky, 1974 is an abstract pastel collage on paper that shows her fascination with found objects. Using what looks like a striped, bent, paper straw against an electric blue background Clough fashions a striking work of art. Clough called these “assemblages of collected objects”. Clough exhibited at many noteworthy galleries and museums over the course of her career. Her debut was at the legendary Leger Gallery in 1947 followed by Leicester Gallery in 1953, a 1960 retrospective at White Chapel, The Serpentine Galleries in 1976 and Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, England, 1999. Shortly before her death in 1999 the artist was awarded the prestigious Jerwood Prize. In 2007-2008 Tate Britain held a Restrospective Exhibition for this pioneering British woman artist. Annely Juda has been Clough’s dealer since 1997.