Charles Mahoney (artist)

Charles Mahoney (1903-1968) was a British painter, muralist, draughtsman, and teacher, known for his meticulous botanical drawings, allegorical figure compositions, and contributions to British mural painting in the interwar period.

Born Cyril Mahoney in London, he later adopted the name Charles. He studied at the Royal College of Art (RCA) from 1921 to 1926, where he was influenced by teachers such as William Rothenstein and Henry Moore. He subsequently taught at the RCA and at various other art schools, including the Central School of Arts and Crafts.

Mahoney's early work included murals for Morley College in London, completed in collaboration with his students. These murals, unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War, were significant examples of the revival of mural painting in Britain. He also created murals for Brockley County School for Boys (now Prendergast School).

Throughout his career, Mahoney exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and other prominent galleries. His work is characterized by its detailed observation of nature, its classical influences, and its often symbolic or allegorical content. His drawings, particularly those of plants and flowers, are admired for their precision and beauty. Later in his career, he focused increasingly on landscape painting.

Mahoney's work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Government Art Collection.