Piccadilly Circus

Muirhead Bone

DESCRIPTION

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.

DETAILS
  • Artist

    Muirhead Bone

  • Date

    1915

  • Medium

    Drypoint

  • Object number

    88

  • Dimensions unframed

    29.5 × 37 cm

  • Dimensions framed

    55 × 63 × 3 cm

  • Place depicted

    London (2643743)

  • Marks

    Signed bottom right

  • Subject

    Townscape

  • Copyright

    © Estate of Sir Muirhead Bone. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2020

ARTIST PROFILE

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.