Lawrence Gowing

A retrospective exhibition of the work of Lawrence Gowing.

Gowing (1918-91) had his first retrospective exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, featuring work ranging from the late 1930s to the early 1980s. The exhibition was also the first time a body of paintings from the previous four years was displayed. Among this recent body of works were pieces that were both sculptural and collaborative, and in Gowing’s words “are hardly pictures, nor commodities”.

Gowing was primarily known for his portraits, but was also an accomplished landscape painter. His work teaching at a number of prominent art schools led him away from his practice, as did his interests in curating exhibitions and writing about art. At the time of his exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, he was Principal of the Slade School of Fine Art.