Synopsis
Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
An insightful dual biography of brother and sister artists Gwen and Augustus John.
'Outstanding' - The Guardian
'Superb' - The Telegraph
'A must read' - Anne Sebba
'Lively' - The Times
They seemed to be polar opposites . . .
Augustus: vivid, volatile and promiscuous. He was a hero among romantics and bohemians, celebrated as one of the great British talents of his generation.
Gwen’s art was magnificent, but she was also more reserved, and as a woman she struggled for the recognition which has only come to her now, years after her death.
Artists, Siblings, Visionaries by Judith Mackrell is a riveting story of love, infidelity, betrayal, and of two extraordinary siblings whose art and lives subverted society’s expectations.
Details
Reviews
“Judith Mackrell has done an incredible job in bringing to life the stories of these two great artists”Anthony D’Offay
“This dream of a book lures us back to that most fascinating world, that of Gwen and Augustus John”Louisa Young author of Twelve Months and a Day
“This is a must read . . . a deeply moving account of a family bursting with talent ”Anne Sebba, author of The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
“A thoroughly researched and effortlessly written account of the extraordinary lives of Augustus and Gwen John, encompassing painting, of course, but also obsessive love, infidelity, betrayal, family, sibling rivalry and relationships, and how they both subverted society’s expectations. A fantastic read - the pages virtually turned themselves”Fanny Blake
