Andrew Lambirth

John Craxton was more gifted than the Fitzwilliam show suggests

There are excellent examples of Craxton's work in this exhibition — just don't think this is the best he can do

‘Red and Yellow Landscape’, 1945, by John Craxton [© estate of John Craxton] 
issue 01 February 2014

It is often said of John Craxton (1922–2009) that he knew how to live well and considered this more important than art. Perhaps there is a certain truth in this, but if he really believed it, did he have any business in being an artist? And an artist he undoubtedly was, by temperament and sensibility, as well as by the rich endowment of natural talent.

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