John Armstrong

A superb classical painter and draughtsman, Armstrong also undertook much work in film, theatre, and ballet, as well as being a successful designer of ceramics and murals. As a painter he has often been associated with the surrealists, especially after becoming a member of Unit One, a group formed by his contemporary Paul Nash in 1933 to promote modern art, architecture, and design, although his work resists any easy categorization. Armstrong was also a committed supporter of the Labour party, contributing designs to its election leaflets in 1945, and an active political campaigner. The first major study of Armstrong's work, the book draws on new and unpublished research that puts into context the highly original vision of a strongly independent and imaginative artist waiting to be rediscovered.