Berger, John
Berger is best known as an art historian and writer of the critically acclaimed 'Ways of Seeing' but began his career teaching painting and drawing at Chelsea School of Art. 'Scaffolding-Festival of Britain' depicts the changing post-war landscape as new, modern buildings were erected for the 1951 Festival of Britain, held on the south bank of the Thames. After the devastation and austerity of World War II, the Festival of Britain was designed to promote British art, design and industry in a series of exhibitions around Britain.
In Berger's painting the Lowery-esque figures of the construction workers are dwarfed by the towers of scaffolding supporting the red curve of one of the new buildings and the grey London skyline is visible behind the action.
Sarah Campbell
- Artwork Details: 76.2 x 50.8cm
- Edition:
- Material description: oil on canvas
- Credit line: © the artist
- Theme: Figurative
- Medium: Painting
- Accession number: AC 169