Early Life and Education
Born Sir Cedric Lockwood Morris, 9th Baronet, on December 11, 1889, in Sketty, Swansea, Wales, Morris initially pursued a career in the military before turning to art. He received formal art education primarily in Paris, attending the Académie Delécluse and the Académie Colarossi briefly, and later the Slade School of Fine Art in London. During his early years, he travelled extensively across Europe, absorbing various artistic influences.Relationship with Arthur Lett-Haines
In 1918, Morris met fellow artist Arthur Lett-Haines, with whom he formed a lifelong partnership, both personal and professional. Their relationship was a central force in their lives and work, defining their collaborative ventures and shared artistic community.Artistic Career and Style
Morris's artistic style is unique and difficult to categorize, often described as a blend of modernism, naturalism, and a distinctive expressive quality. His work frequently features vibrant palettes and bold outlines. He painted a wide range of subjects, including:- Portraits: Capturing friends, students, and notable figures with a penetrating psychological insight.
- Landscapes: Depicting the Suffolk countryside, his travels (e.g., Portugal, North Africa), and the gardens he cultivated.
- Still Lifes: Especially known for his evocative paintings of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, often grown in his own garden.
- Birds: He kept a variety of exotic birds, which often appeared in his paintings.
Morris held his first solo exhibition in London in 1928, establishing his reputation as an important contemporary artist. His work is held in numerous public collections, including Tate Britain, the National Museum Wales, and the National Portrait Gallery.
East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing (Benton End)
In 1937, Morris and Lett-Haines founded the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing in Dedham, Essex. After a fire destroyed the premises in 1939, they relocated to Benton End, a rambling house near Hadleigh, Suffolk. The school became an unconventional and highly influential art institution, operating until Morris's death in 1982.Benton End was a bohemian hub, attracting a diverse array of artists, writers, and intellectuals. Morris's teaching philosophy was non-dogmatic, emphasizing individual expression and direct observation over rigid academic methods. Notable students included:
- Lucian Freud
- Maggi Hambling
- David Carr
- Kathleen Walne
- Glyn Morgan
Morris's influence on his students was profound, fostering an environment of creativity, experimentation, and intellectual freedom.