WHAT? Edward Burra - Ithell Colquhoun
WHERE? Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
WHEN? Now until 19th October
WHY GO? For two takes on Surrealism. Bold and bordering on the verge of satire, Burra’s imagery must surely have influenced our own beloved Beryl Cook who depicted similar satirical scenarios. Burra was born in 1905, a permanently sickly man, who ploughed all his energies into painting and travelling. He was a frequent visitor to Paris and New York where he was inspired to create many of the memorable, ‘Roaring Twenties’ paintings he is best remembered for.
This retrospective chronicles the broad range of Burra’s artistic subjects from the prohibition-era nightlife of Harlem and dizzying Jazz Age dance halls to the war-torn landscapes of the Spanish Civil War and later, London’s blitz.
A multi-talented artist, Burra’s work as a costume set designer also ran in tandem when debilitating arthritis hampered his travels. He worked with famous names like Frederick Ashton and Ninette de Valois.
This exhibition showcases what a gifted chronicler of life Burra was to switch between caricature and surrealism but uncovers very little of the actual man himself, who still remains something of an enigma and has been labelled the artist of ‘queer culture’.

IN THE KNOW: Artist Ithell Colquhoun led a curious life. Her surreal artwork sits alongside Burra’s in an accompanying show. The joy of discovering Colquhoun means you get two shows for the price of one! Discover how Colquhoun, an ex-Cheltenham Ladies College girl, became a fearless artist and practicing occultist. Her magical art is a tad disturbing but provides a mythical contrast to the reality of Burra’s bold urban scenes.