| Description |
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The evening thickens. Figures like a frieze
Cross the sea’s face, their cold unlifted heads
Disdainful of the wind that pulls their hair.
The brown light lies across the harbour wall …
Sidney Keyes (1922–1943), from North Sea
Herman was born in Warsaw where he studied and worked as a graphic artist and designer. He left Poland in 1938 and lived variously in Brussels, Glasgow and London (where he shared rooms with L. S. Lowry) but he is now best known for his years in the Welsh village of Ystradgynlais (1944–53). Here, like his slightly older contemporary George Bissill (1896–1973), he produced powerfully intense images of miners: as with the fishermen portrayed here, they are mostly resting, not at work. Herman contributed a number of works to the Festival of Britain in 1951 including a mural of miners for the Pavilion of Minerals. He was elected R.A. in 1990.
Oil on canvas: 70.2 x 90.5 cm. Framed, mounted: 86.6 x 106.4 cm |
