(1905 - 1976)
Edward Burra lived for most of his life at his parents' house in Rye, Sussex. In spite of poor health he loved to travel. He visited France and America frequently and also went to Italy, Spain and Mexico. He was drawn to human eccentricities, vivid popular culture and scenes from the seamy side of life. Burra produced some satiric work somewhat in the manner of the German artist George Grosz. Both the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War caused Burra deep distress and a violent, almost sadistic atmosphere crept into his work. He also began to paint religious pictures. From the late 1950s until his death, Burra painted strange, slightly sinister landscapes of places around the UK including Rye.
