Piccadilly Circus, 1915 depicts London at night in wartime with searchlights raking the sky and mounted troops passing through the Circus. It is based on a drawing of 1907 (Fleming Collection) – only the figures and illumination have been materially altered. Around 120 impressions of the drypoint were sold in aid of the Belgium Relief Fund.
Muirhead Bone
1915
Drypoint
88
29.5 × 37 cm
55 × 63 × 3 cm
London (2643743)
Signed bottom right
© Estate of Sir Muirhead Bone. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2020
Sir Muirhead Bone HRSA HRSW HON RE HON ARIBA, 1876-1953
The son of a journalist, Bone was born in Glasgow and attended evening classes at Glasgow School of Art while apprenticed to an architect for three years. In 1894 he decided to become a full-time artist, working for a period as a freelance illustrator for the Scots Pictorial. His architectural training left him with a fascination with buildings, which he often depicted under construction and demolition. A consummate draughtsman, he first came to prominence as a printmaker, later becoming an etcher of international renown. However, he is remembered chiefly for his drawings in a range of media. He travelled widely, and was a distinguished was artist during both world wars.