Eric Kennington
1888–1960 · British sculptor, painter and illustrator, official war artist in both world wars
Eric Kennington (Chelsea, 1888 – 1960) was a British sculptor, painter and illustrator who worked as an official war artist in both the First and Second World Wars. His war art focused on the daily hardships of soldiers and airmen. His group portrait The Kensingtons at Laventie (1915), painted during his convalescence, caused a sensation when it was shown in 1916.
Kennington fought on the Western Front until he was wounded in 1915 and discharged as unfit. After a spell in France as an official war artist, he worked in 1918 for the Canadian War Memorials Scheme. In the 1920s he met T. E. Lawrence, who had a lasting influence on him, and he illustrated Seven Pillars of Wisdom. He began carving stone, and his first public commission was the 24th Division memorial in Battersea Park.
In the 1930s he produced busts, statues and reliefs, including the effigy of Lawrence at Wareham. At the start of the Second World War he painted portraits of Royal Navy officers for the War Artists' Advisory Committee. He is remembered mainly for his portraits of soldiers and for his memorials.
Works (1)
Where to see the work
- Imperial War Museum London London Borough of Southwark · 1