Ariane Bankes

The high and low life of John Craxton

The charming, hedonistic painter would be a guest of the Devonshires one week and carousing with Cretan sailors the next, says Ian Collins

‘Self-portrait’ by John Craxton, 1946-7. Credit: Private Collection/Photo: Christie’s

  • John Craxton: A Life of Gifts

    Ian Collins

    Yale, pp. 384, £25

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading for free

Subscribe today to get 3 months’ free digital access.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828
  • Plus, three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph

Read next

Trending

Douglas Murray

The C of E’s raving madness

From the magazine
In February there was a commotion at Canterbury Cathedral. Or, to be more precise, there was a silent commotion. The cause was a ‘silent disco’ which took place in the nave over two nights. For anyone above the age of 12, a silent disco is where everybody has headphones on and is in their own

Because you read about art

Also by Ariane Bankes

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for free — this month only

This month, be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for free. We’ll also give you three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph.

Already a subscriber? Log in