Penrose, Sir Roland (1900-1984)

A-Z of Artists >

23 works

  • catalogue available

Roland Penrose was one of the most influential people in twentieth century art. He was a regular visitor to Cornwall often staying at the house of his brother, Beacus. In 1937 he invited many of the leading figures of Surrealism to Lamb Creek, on the river Fal. Among the party included Lee Miller, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Henry Moore, Paul Eluard, Leonora Carrington and Eileen Agar.

He was a close friend of Picasso and organised the first major exhibition of the artist work in London, as well as writing the first biography of Picasso. Penrose founded the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and was a great artist and photographer in his own right.