John Minton 1917-1957
Painter of figures, townscapes and landscapes in oils and watercolour, Minton’s artistic journey unfolded against the backdrop of World War II. Born on 25 December 1917, Minton would later attend St John’s Wood School of Art under P.F. Millard and Kenneth Martin from 1935-8.... read more
Painter of figures, townscapes and landscapes in oils and watercolour, Minton’s artistic journey unfolded against the backdrop of World War II. Born on 25 December 1917, Minton would later attend St John’s Wood School of Art under P.F. Millard and Kenneth Martin from 1935-8.
Minton then travelled and worked in France with Michael Ayrton and Michael Middleton, studying at Colarossi’s and later visiting Provence. Forced to return to London from Paris at the outbreak of War, Minton registered as a conscientious objector where he subsequently found some resolve in depicting war-torn London.
After the war, Minton emerged as a leading figure in the post-war British art scene. He played a crucial role in the Neo-Romantic revival of figurative and narrative art alongside those like Keith Vaughan with whom he shared a studio from 1946-1952. Minton’s distinctive style, characterized by bold lines and rich colours and combined with his ability to capture the emotional intensity of the era marked him as an influential figure in the circle of Modern British artists.
Tragically, Minton’s career was marred by personal struggles, including battles with depression and anxiety, tragically succumbing to his struggles on January 20, 1957, where he died by suicide.
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