Edward Middleditch MC(1923–1987)

Edward Middleditch established himself in the mid 1950s as one of the most powerful young painters and draughtsman in Britain.

Born in Chelmsford Essex, war service saw him awarded the MC. He afterwards studied at the Regent Street Polytechnic and the Royal College of Art.

Initially associated with the ‘kitchen sink’ painters of social realism such as John Bratby, Derrick Greaves and Jack Smith, Middleditch went on to devote himself chiefly to natural themes where during the 1960s his work became increasingly abstract concentrating principally on the elements, from the weight of a massive hillside to the lightness of sun dancing on water or darting through foliage. His work became increasingly abstract and stylised, inspired by kilims and Persian carpets, and even used stencilling to create a patterned, decorative response to nature.

Middleditch taught at various art schools, notably Norwich School of Art, where he was head of fine art, 1964–84. From 1984 to 1986 he was keeper of the Royal Academy Schools.

His work can be seen at the Horsham Museum in West Sussex though large proportion of his paintings reside in private collections.

Picture dimensions = 54x57cm
Frame dimensions = 75x81cm

Plain roundel gilt - some marks - new double-layer mount