Augustus John

Sitterback to top

• Augustus Edwin John (1878-1961), Painter. Sitter associated with 86 portraits, Artist associated with 32 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Charles Slade. Artist of 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

John had been fascinated by gypsy culture since his childhood. His interest was developed by the Romany scholar John Sampson, whom John met while teaching art at Liverpool in 1901. John developed a bohemian gypsy style with a broad hat, gold earrings and unkempt beard. In 1909, he took to the road, travelling with his family from Surrey to Norfolk. This photograph was taken after John returned to the encampment after a period away painting the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. The caravan party were in a poor state with the horses dying off and the children ill with whooping cough. The family returned to London soon after.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Rolley, Katrina; Aish, Caroline, Fashion in Photographs 1900-1920, 1992, p. 64

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Augustus John: A Life in Portraits (26 July 2011 - 18 March 2012)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Smoking