Notes

Edward Seago’s The End of the Garden-Summer Morning captures the light with its greyed-down warm and cool colours and typifies the artist’s atmospheric, Impressionist landscapes of the place of his birth, East Anglia.

‘Throughout his life Seago remained susceptible to nature’s manifold manifestations. He was intensely interested in the transformation of the landscape by the ‘in-between’ stages, sunrise, early morning, late afternoon, evening and dusk, by the rain, mist, fog, and snow, and by the seasons. He was fascinated with the sky, studying the ephemeral changes of its moods and movements, and the extremes of light created by the multi faceted cloud formations.’¹

Born in Norwich, Seago is widely regarded as one of England’s most esteemed landscape painters. His early years were spent in East Anglia, where his painting is deeply rooted. Due to health issues, Seago was mostly self-taught, although he received guidance and support from notable artists such as Sir Alfred Munnings and Bertram Priestman. Seago painted landscapes, skyscapes, seascapes, street scenes, and portraits, with a particular emphasis on the natural world. He drew inspiration from Dutch landscape painting as well as various English painters, including those associated with the Norwich School. His atmospheric, Impressionistic painting style is characterised by his spontaneous response to his immediate surroundings. He skilfully captured the beauty of the landscape, the interplay of light on the earth and sky, and the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, all with a profound sensitivity and authenticity. In the 1950s and 1960s, Seago embarked on extensive travels, including a journey to Antarctica at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He meticulously observed and painted the landscapes he encountered during his travels.

Seago’s artwork has been admired and sought after by a diverse range of collectors worldwide, from everyday individuals to members of royalty. He developed a close association with the British Royal family, who possess an extensive collection of his works. Seago exhibited annually in London and regularly in South Africa, Canada, and the United States of America. His exhibitions were highly anticipated, often resulting in sold-out shows with eager patrons queuing for access. His paintings were also displayed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon.

Seago was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) in 1946 and the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS) in 1959. He died in 1974, but his legacy continues, with numerous exhibitions of his work having taken place since his death.

^1. https://www.richardgreen.com/artist/edward-seago/a/4

Provenance

Marlborough Fine Art, London.

Everard Read, Johannesburg.

Private Collection.