(Bruges 1867–1943)
Daydreams “Spinning Yarn”, on the reverse oil study of ships in a harbour, signed, dated 1887 F. Brangwyn, oil on canvas, 97 x 132 cm, framed, (W)

The Anglo-Welsh painter, engraver, illustrator and designer Sir Frank Brangwyn was a multi-talented artist. Although an autodidact, he was strongly influenced by Heygate Mackmurdo and William Morris. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition at the age of 17. Towards the end of the 19th century he, like many of his contemporaries, demonstrated a fascination with the Orient in many of his works, and this was a period in which he spent much time travelling. He became a full member of the RA in 1909. In 1895 he worked for Samuel Bing in Paris, and in 1897 became a founding member of the Viennese Secession. In 1905 he was awarded the gold medal for his design of the British room at the International Art Exhibition in Venice. During WWI he designed over 80 posters which were the subject of much controversial debate. From 1925–26 he served as President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Arts. Between 1930 and 1934 he designed the railway station in New York City together with Diego Rivera and Josep Maria Sert.