John Moody: View from the Window, Great Wolford, 1941-42

John Moody: View from the Window, Great Wolford, 1941-42 - on Art WW I

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John Moody:
View from the Window, Great Wolford, 1941-42
Framed (ref: 4653)

Oil on panel

6 x 8 in. (15.3 x 20.3 cm)

Tags: John Moody oil panel flowers interiors still lifes war World War II Paintings by British Artists

Exhibited: WW2 - War Pictures by British Artists, Morley College London, 28 October -23 November 2016, cat 71.

Literature: WW2 - War Pictures by British Artists, Edited by Sacha Llewellyn & Paul Liss, July 2016, cat 71, page 110.

Born in 1906 Moody had been too young to participate in the the First World War, but suffered its consequences. His memorable 1928 woodcut, 'War' sums up, poignantly, his sense of the futility of conflict and antagonism towards the 'old order' which had condemned so many to a needless death. As such he was expressing the mood of his generation.

During WW2 Moody served with the Auxiliary Fire Service. He sustained injuries during the Blitz -retiring to Warwickshire to convalesce. His mentor in the theatre, Tyrone Guthrie, retained his services as Director of the evacuated Old Vic Theatre School in Little Wolford. To aid his recovery, Moody continued to paint, though with great difficulty. During this period his style changed as he struggled to redefine his skills in light of his injuries. This particular oil is one of a group he painted looking out of his window in the neighbouring village of Great Wolford.

We are grateful to Richard Thompson for his assistance.