Maggie Davis : A Forgotten 20th Century English Artist

For anyone interested in a gifted, neglected 20th century artist (thoroughly trained at the Kent Thanet School of Art and subsequently the renowned London Central School of Arts & Crafts), this retrospective art selection should provide a fascinating link to the post-WWII period of English art.

This selection includes Maggie’s early post-war years. These include pen/ink advertising and magazine/book illustrations. Early Watercolours include an unnamed London bridge and paintings done in France, 1947. In the 1960’s Maggie began painting in oils. This coincided with her semi-abstract works inspired by storm-blasted trees. Concurrently, her ‘romantic dream fantasy’ period also began, resulting in many outstandingly creative works. These latter concerned the darkness of loss and separation.

Maggie’s imaginative work also included illustrations for projected children’s books. Maggie’s lino-cut work is represented here in its impressive exactness. Her pastel work is notable for its engaging incisiveness. As well as landscape oils, Maggie’s work offers vividly recognisable children’s and adult’s portraits. Examples of her house commission paintings demonstrate Maggie’s assured handling of architectural structure. Her last oil works often dealt with inner desolation. For instance, Maggie’s striking oil picture: The Widows.

Influences are found in the work of Graham Sutherland, Paul Nash, Rene Magritte and Max Ernst. Important Central School teachers such as John Minton and Bernard Meninsky can also be detected as influencing Maggie’s evolving artistic craftsmanship.