A Selection from the C.E.M.A. Collection of Oil Paintings: Part II

C.E.M.A./ ARTS COUNCIL OF GREAT BRITAIN; BELL, Vanessa; BENOIS, Nadia; DUNBAR, Evelyn; WALKER, Ethel; [HILL, Ernest & Catherine]

Published by The Arts Council of Great Britain/ Curwen Press, London, 1949

CEMA Exhibition Catalogue. Pamphlet (18.5 x 11cm), [pp. 4]. Title page printed in black and orange. Vertical fold, minor creasing, "Jardine & Mattthison & Co, Shippers" written in blue biro to bottom edge of final page. Else, clean and bright. Very good A clean copy of the 1949 CEMA exhibition catalogue for a selection ("Part II") of 25 items, including paintings by Vanessa Bell, Patricia Preece, Ethel Walker and Albert Rutherston; including a one-page 'Forword' explaining the originals of the collection: formed in 1942 by CEMA (now the Arts Council) with funding from the Pilgrim's Trust, its object "was to introduce the work of contemporary artists to people throughout the country". From the library of Birmingham-based artists Catherine and Ernest Hill, with the brief note about shippers to p.4, likely in the latter's hand: perhaps Ernest Hill had a hand in arranging an exhibition of the CEMA collection in Birmingham? Ernest F. Hill, RBSA (1873-1960) was a British painter, arts educator and Vice President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RSBA). An early Newlyn group member, he worked primarily in watercolour, favouring British landscape and coastal scenes; he exhibited at the Royal Academy until 1946, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, but his paintings were most often hung in Birmingham (CAI, 2021). Hill was Headmaster of the prestigious Bournville School of Art and Crafts, and was well-connected in regional cultural networks, as well as with the Cadbury family. Less in known of Catherine Hill, who was a watercolour artist, print maker and book binder. Their library reflected these interests, featuring numerous arts and crafts, typographical and fine press books, often in excellent condition, thanks to the addition of hand-marbled or clear wrappers. Seller Inventory # 3336

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Selection from the C.E.M.A. Collection of ...
Publisher: The Arts Council of Great Britain/ Curwen Press, London
Publication Date: 1949
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good