James Gleeson

Only the Psychic has Reality

1976

Charcoal and gouache on paper, titled ‘Phil Richards’ and dated ‘Friday Dec 8 72’ (lower left), 64cm x 48cm (72cm x 56cm framed).(Provenance: the Artist’s estate (stamped verso)). the picture is framed behind UV glass Stonehouse had an extraordinary life. As a young art student studying fashion illustration, he joined the Royal Artillery at the beginning of WWII but soon became a part of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). He was sent to France as a radio operator but three and a half months later was caught by the Gestapo, tortured, given a death sentence and then selected for slave labour. He spent the subsequent war years in three French prisons and five concentration and labour camps, including Dachau. He still managed to continue to draw in some of the camps. Following the war, Stonehouse went to the US and continued his career as a fashion artist painting for magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elizabeth Arden. He was also an accomplished portraitist. His work is celebrated in Brian Stonehouse...

Charcoal on paper Signed and dated (lower right) and also by RA visitor George Clausen 66cm × 54cm (80cm × 67cm framed) This drawing was created in the life-class room in the Royal ...