Max Brimmell (1917-1993) - Signed Mid 20th Century Watercolour, No. 29, The Cove

Description

An expressive and abstract watercolour by the artist Max Brimmell (1917-1993), depicting a gloomy forest scene with a building in the background. Signed in the lower right hand corner. Well presented in a washline mount and a simple wood frame, as shown. Signed. On watercolour paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and minor foxing on the mount. The frame contains some minor scuffed edges. Generally in good condition.

Size

36.5 x 34cm (14.4" x 13.4")
Framed Size: 55.2 x 51.5cm (21.7" x 20.3")

Artist Biography

Artist mainly of watercolour landscapes who was also an actor and bookseller, born in London. His real name was Ronald Arthur Brimmell, Max stemming from a part played on the stage. During World War II Brimmell was in the Royal Navy, rising from the rank of ordinary seaman to the command of several ships. After the war, he studied at Putney School of Art under John Bowyer and Francis Edwin Hodge. He exhibited at the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, United Society of Artists, Pastel Society, Royal Society of British Artists and at the Stables Theatre and Museum in Hastings, where he settled from 1963, being a founder-member of Old Hastings’ Town Week, president of its Preservation Society and a founder and playing member of its Cricket Club. As an actor, Brimmell appeared in a film with Boris Karloff, on the West End stage, for 18 years in the radio serial The Archers as the vicar and on television as the sidekick of chief superintendent Fabian of the Yard. Realising he could make more money from antiquarian bookselling than acting, Brimmell turned to this, becoming an authority on children’s literature and publishing two books. He continued to paint at weekends when he reckoned to complete two pictures. He finally lived at Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex where he died.