







About Edward Bawden
British · 1903–1989
an ironmonger's son from Essex who studied under Paul Nash, pressed linocuts with a Rolls-Royce, survived a torpedoed ship, and was still cutting lino the morning he died

Museums6
Countries2
Most worksVictoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road · 8 works
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Where to see Edward Bawden
Ranked by works you can see in person.
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8 worksVictoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, United Kingdom
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2 works
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, United Kingdom
Also here (1)
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1 works
Art Gallery of South Australia
North Terrace, Australia
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1 works
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester, United Kingdom
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1 works
Beecroft Art Gallery
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
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1 works
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon, United Kingdom
Also here (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see Edward Bawden's work?
You can find Edward Bawden's work in several public collections in the United Kingdom. These include the Victoria and Albert Museum[4], London; the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh; and the Manchester Art Gallery[1]. Other UK venues holding his work are the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery; the Geffrye Museum, London; the Leeds City Art Gallery; the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool; the Ulster Museum, Belfast; and the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum. In the United States, you can view Bawden's prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, Florida; the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond; and the Wolfsonian at Florida International University, Miami Beach. His work is also held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.Where did Edward Bawden live?
Edward Bawden settled in Great Bardfield, Essex, in 1932. He lived and worked in the village for decades.Where is Edward Bawden from?
Edward Bawden was United Kingdom, born in 1903 and died in 1989.What should I know about Edward Bawden's prints?
Edward Bawden (1903-1989) was a British artist, known for his prints, book illustrations, and graphic design. He studied at the Cambridge School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art, where he became friends with Eric Ravilious. Bawden worked in a range of printmaking techniques, including linocut, wood engraving, and lithography. Linocut was a favoured medium; he exploited its bold graphic potential in posters for London Transport and book illustrations. His prints often feature architectural subjects, such as stations, shops, and churches. He also produced prints of botanical subjects and humorous scenes. During the Second World War, Bawden served as a war artist. He documented military activities in the Middle East and Europe. Some of his wartime work was captured by the enemy when his ship was torpedoed. After the war, Bawden taught at the Royal College of Art. He continued to produce prints and illustrations throughout his career, working often for commercial clients. Bawden's prints are characterised by strong lines, flat areas of colour, and a distinctive sense of wit. His work demonstrates an interest in the everyday and a talent for capturing the character of a place or object.Why are Edward Bawden's works important today?
Edward Bawden's work remains important for several reasons. He was a significant figure in British printmaking and design during the twentieth century. Bawden's prints, book illustrations, and commercial art demonstrate a distinctive style, combining humour with careful observation. Bawden trained at the Royal College of Art during the 1920s, where he developed his skills in various media, including watercolour, linocut, and lithography. His early work often depicted scenes of everyday life, executed with a characteristic attention to detail. Later, Bawden worked as a war artist during the Second World War, producing images of military operations in the Middle East and Europe. These works offer a valuable historical record. After the war, Bawden continued to produce commercial designs for companies such as Fortnum & Mason and Twinings. His designs are admired for their wit and originality. Bawden's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary illustrators and printmakers. His prints are collected by museums and individuals, ensuring his continued relevance.Edward Bawden facts?
Edward Bawden designed the lion-and-unicorn masthead for the Observer newspaper, which ran for nearly thirty years. As an official war artist, he went to France and drew the evacuation from Dunkirk, then to the Middle East, North Africa and Ethiopia.Who is Edward Bawden?
Edward Bawden was a student at the Royal College of Art in 1922, where he studied under Paul Nash. He formed a friendship with Eric Ravilious that lasted until Ravilious's death in 1942.What techniques did Edward Bawden use?
Edward Bawden produced linocuts, watercolours, murals, book illustrations, and wallpaper designs. Some of his wallpaper linocuts were pressed by driving a Rolls-Royce over them, because he did not own a press large enough.
Sources
Where to See guide aggregates verified holdings of Edward Bawden's works across the following collections.
- [1] museum Manchester Art Gallery Used for: museum holdings.
- [2] museum Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Used for: museum holdings.
- [3] museum Beecroft Art Gallery Used for: museum holdings.
- [4] museum Victoria and Albert Museum Used for: museum holdings.
- [5] book Beard, Lee, 1973- author, Butler, Adam, author; Van Cleave, Claire, author; Fortenberry, Diane, author; Stirling, Susan, author, Beard, Lee, 1973- author, Butler, Adam, author; Van Cleave, Claire, author; Fortenberry, Diane, author; Stirling, Susan, author - The Art Book_ New Edition, Mini Format Used for: biography.
- [6] book Post-impressionism : cross-currents in European painting Used for: biography.
- [7] book Post-impressionism : cross-currents in European painting Used for: biography.
Editorial overseen by Solis Prints. Sources verified 2026-07-02. Click a source for details, or hover over [N] in the page above to preview.
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