Leonard Rosoman

Drawing on the artist's substantial archives, renowned design historian Tanya Harrod takes the work of Leonard Rosoman OBE RA (1913-2012) and skilfully weaves analysis of his ouevre into a richer understanding of his context. The range of Rosoman's output is extraordinary. This book encompasses the period in which Rosoman created the bulk of his work: from his time in the Auxiliary Fire Service in London and as an Official War Artist in the far east, to his work for the theatre and as an illustrator, painter and teacher. Harrod places especial emphasis on Rosoman's large-scale murals for the restored chapel at Lambeth Palace and at Burlington House, home to the Royal Academy, an institution he was an integral part of for over half a century. In her engaging assessment of Rosoman's remarkable work, Harrod gives the reader a thorough grasp of this underrated artist and his world. Image credits: Woman Touching a Rhinoceros, 1982, Acrylic on canvas, 122 x 152; The Backdrop, New York, 1983, Acrylic on canvas, 122 x 122; The Unbelievable Goldfish, 1986, Gouache on paper, 28 x 28; Self-portrait with Cat: The Huey Series, Gouache on paper, 36 x 25; The King and Queen, 1973, Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 126. (c) Roxanne Rosoman and the Estate of Leonard Rosoman; Photography: Jason Wierzbick.