Victor Pasmore

Victor Pasmore was a British artist and a pivotal figure in the development of abstract art in the United Kingdom, renowned for the radical and controversial shift he made from figurative painting to pure abstraction. His career showcased a deep intellectual curiosity and a relentless drive for artistic experimentation, which was reflected not only in his work but also in his significant influence as a teacher.

Born in Chelsham, Surrey, Pasmore's artistic talents were apparent from a young age, though his path was not straightforward. After his father's death, he took an administrative job but pursued art at night, attending classes at the Central School of Art. During the 1930s, he established himself with lyrical, representational works—landscapes, portraits, and still lives—and co-founded the influential Euston Road School, which advocated for a return to naturalism.

After World War II, however, Pasmore took a dramatic turn, renouncing figurative painting in 1947. Embracing pure abstraction, he came to be seen as a leader of the Constructivist revival in post-war Britain, a move that the art critic Herbert Read called "the most revolutionary event in post-war British art". His work during this period evolved from flat paintings to three-dimensional abstract reliefs and constructions using materials like wood and Perspex. His constructivist ideas even extended to a controversial urban architectural project in the new town of Peterlee, where he designed the iconic abstract Apollo Pavilion.

Beyond his artwork, Pasmore was a highly influential educator. While teaching at King's College, Durham (now Newcastle University), he developed a radical art and design course modelled on the Bauhaus "basic course," which profoundly influenced art education throughout the UK. His commitment to artistic innovation never waned, and after moving to Malta in 1966, his style evolved once more. His final decades were marked by a return to more organic, flowing forms and vibrant colours, exploring printmaking extensively while retaining his interest in abstraction. Pasmore died in Malta in 1998, leaving behind a rich legacy of challenging and diverse work.

Relief Painting in White, Black and Maroon - Victor Pasmore

Relief Painting in White, Black and Maroon - Victor Pasmore
Imagine Incognita - Victor Pasmore

Imagine Incognita - Victor Pasmore

Featured Artists