A Guide to the Work of Graham Sutherland
One of the most prolific and distinctive artists of the 20th century
07/10/2025
Graham Sutherland, born in London in 1903, stands as one of the most prolific and distinctive artists of the 20th century. His body of work, encompassing painting, printmaking, glass design and tapestry, continues to captivate audiences with an enduring appeal that remains relevant decades after its creation. Today, his works are held in major collections, including Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery.
Study of an Eagle Owl by Graham Sutherland
Sutherland's training began at Goldsmiths School of Art, where he initially trained as a printmaker. The intricacies of etching and engraving fascinated him, and, between 1926 and 1932, he created works that echoed the romantic mysticism of William Blake and Samuel Palmer, becoming part of a Neo-Romantic movement that included Paul Nash and John Piper.
Sutherland shifted his focus to painting in the 1930s, drawing inspiration from the wild landscapes of Pembrokeshire in Wales. The area's rugged terrain, twisted tree forms, and exposed rocks captivated him, becoming recurring themes in his work. These landscapes are far from literal; they are abstract and surreal. Until his death, in 1980, he remained fascinated by the Pembrokeshire landscape as an amalgamation of forms, a place where nature's violence and resilience are depicted with a palpable and sometimes unsettling tension.
In 1940, Sutherland was appointed an official war artist, a role that introduced him to the apocalyptic scenes of bomb-damaged London. His wartime works, including the Devastation series, bear witness to the eerie destruction of the city, as well as to resilience and a haunting beauty. As one of the first people to see the photographs of Belsen after liberation by the British Army, the searing images of human frailty had a profound effect on Sutherland, influencing his post-war work.
Sutherland produced one of his most famous works, "Christ in Glory in the Tetramorph’’ a vast tapestry commissioned for the rebuilt Coventry cathedral, in 1946. This enormous piece, completed in 1962, demonstrates Sutherland's mastery of scale and spiritual symbolism. 'Crucifixion' (1947), a modern interpretation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, for St Matthew's Church in Nottingham, also reflected themes of horror, redemption, and the human condition. Works such as "Thorn Head" (1947) and "Enter the Forest" (1942) exemplify his fascination with nature as a site of struggle and renewal. The recurring motif of the thorn, inspired by his faith and spirituality, became a powerful symbol in Sutherland's art.
Sutherland's portraiture from the 1950s and 1960s is equally noteworthy, his sitters including public figures such as Somerset Maugham and Winston Churchill. These portraits often reveal unsettling aspects of character, which was not always popular with his sitters; his depiction of Churchill, for instance, was so disliked by the politician that Lady Clementine Churchill famously destroyed it. However, these works remain celebrated for their honesty and depth.
If you're considering selling art by Sutherland, our expert team at Dawsons offer complementary auction valuations and straightforward advice, guiding you through a seamless selling process. Whilst our dynamic in-house marketing direct to buyers all over the world, allied with creative social media posts, ensures that we achieve the highest returns for our clients. Recent successful sales include an ink and gouache dated 1952, 'Mantis', which sold for £4,500 (2025).
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