1908-1951
An Unsung Pioneer in British Art
TIRZAH GARWOOD
The Crocodile // 1929
EARLY LIFE AND INFLUENCES
Eileen Lucy "Tirzah" Garwood was born on 11 April 1908 in Gillingham, Kent, into a well-to-do family. Her father, an officer in the Royal Engineers, led the family through various relocations, eventually settling in Eastbourne. It was here that Garwood's artistic journey began.
Her education at Eastbourne School of Art in 1925 marked the start of her exploration into wood engraving, under the tutelage of Eric Ravilious, who would later become her husband. This period was formative, not only in honing her artistic skills but also in shaping her distinctive style, characterised by a blend of humour and eccentricity.
Vegetable Garden // c. 1933 // Needlework and wool embroidery
RISE TO PROMINENCE
Garwood quickly established herself as a formidable talent in the world of wood engraving. By 1927, she was already exhibiting her work and receiving accolades for her unique approach, which often featured domestic scenes captured in fleeting moments.
Her work was praised for its intricacy and originality, with pieces like The Four Seasons series gaining significant attention. Her ability to infuse everyday scenes with a sense of whimsy and depth set her apart from her contemporaries, making her one of the most promising artists of her time.
Hornet with Wild Roses // 1950
The Train Journey // 1939
MARRIAGE & COLLABORATIONS
In 1930, Garwood married Eric Ravilious, a partnership that would influence both their careers. Despite societal expectations that often relegated women to the background, Garwood continued to pursue her artistic endeavours.
The couple collaborated on several projects, most notably a mural at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe. However, the demands of domestic life and the Great Depression led to a decline in her wood engraving work, as she shifted focus to support her husband's career and manage family responsibilities.
Orchid Hunters in Brazil // 1950
SHIFTING ARTISTIC FOCUS
Despite the challenges, Garwood's creativity found new outlets. During the 1940s, she began experimenting with oil painting and marbled paper designs. Her oil paintings, often depicting natural scenes of birds and insects, showcased her ability to capture the beauty of the natural world with a surreal touch.
Her marbled papers, created in collaboration with Charlotte Bawden, were celebrated for their intricate patterns and are now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
The Springtime of Flight // 1950
PERSONAL STRUGGLES AND RESILIENCE
Garwood's personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. The loss of her husband, Eric Ravilious, during World War II was a profound blow, yet she continued to find solace in her art. Her battle with breast cancer in 1942, and subsequent recovery, was a testament to her resilience.
During this time, she wrote her autobiography, Long Live Great Bardfield & Love to You All, which provides a candid glimpse into her life and artistic journey. Her ability to persevere through adversity and continue creating art is a testament to her strength and passion.
Betty // 1927
LEGACY AND RECOGNITION
Tirzah Garwood's contributions to the art world have only recently begun to receive the recognition they deserve. Her work, once overshadowed by her husband's fame, is now celebrated for its originality and impact on British art.
Exhibitions, such as the upcoming retrospective at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, aim to shed light on her diverse body of work, from wood engravings to oil paintings and marbled papers. As interest in overlooked women artists grows, Garwood's legacy continues to inspire and captivate new audiences, ensuring her place as a pivotal figure in 20th-century British art