Eric Ravilious

Eric Ravilious (Eric William Ravilious; 1903 – 1942) was a British painter, designer, and wood engraver, celebrated for his watercolours and prints that distinctly capture the essence of the English landscape and the experiences of war. His art is characterised by a unique blend of Naturalism and Modernism, using subdued colours and meticulous detail that evoke both beauty and melancholy. Ravilious’s contributions extend beyond painting to include book illustration and design, where his work in wood engraving stands out for its precise and evocative imagery. Serving as a war artist during World War II, Ravilious depicted military and maritime scenes until his tragic death in an air-sea rescue mission off the coast of Iceland. His technique, especially in watercolours, effectively conveyed the transient and often poignant aspects of the scenes he portrayed, leaving a lasting impact on British art.