Laurence Scarfe (1914–1993) - Grotto, Boboli Gardens

An ink and watercolour painting on paper of the grotto in Boboli Gardens, Florence, by British artist Laurence Scarfe (1914–1993). Signed and dated 1950. This was the same year that his book 'Rome, Fragments in the Sun ' was published. It was a personal diary of his favourite places in the city, written and illustrated by him with drawings and photographs. The painting is also annotated and signed to reverse. Provenance: direct from artist's estate.

Laurence Scarfe was a significant figure in British modernism. After leaving school , he studied at Shipley School of Art followed by the Royal College of Art (1933–1937). After graduating he went on to teach, including at the esteemed Central School of Arts and Crafts (1945–1970). He was also a very successful painter, muralist, illustrator, and print maker. His mural paintings featured in the British Pavilion at the 1937 Paris 'Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne' and the 'Books and Printing' section of the 'Britain Can Make It' exhibition (1946). He also created murals for the Dome of Discovery and the Regatta Restaurant at the Festival of Britain (1951).

Scarfe exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, the Leicester Galleries, the Zwemmer Gallery, and the Redfern Gallery. Examples of his work are held by the V&A, Tate Gallery, Imperial War Museum, and the Brighton Art Gallery. In 1958 he was invited as a guest artist to exhibit in the Great Bardfield Artists' Association show, where his work could be seen alongside the likes of Edward Bawden.