John Piper , one of a key group of British landscape artists active between the wars, had a consistent ability to evoke a sense of place in terms of a blend of its physical characteristics and spiritual atmosphere. It has been said that his work represents the true vision of England in the mid twentieth century. His style was very much his own and in this respect he was probably the nearest independent successor to Turner of the previous century. Within his lengthy career, he was involved with print-making, stained glass, illustration, theatre design - and fireworks. He with his art critic wife, Myfanwy, created a huge network of friendships and collaborations, with Benjamin Britten, Kenneth Clark, John Betjeman, Osbert Lancaster, Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and the Sitwell family of Renishaw Hall. Together the couple demonstrate the key roles they played in defining 'Englishness' in the mid-20th century - not least through the iconic series of topographical books, the Shell Guides to England's counties. John Betjeman, a great friend to John Piper and the co-creator of the Shell Guides once told the artist "You have saved much of England by your pictures of architecture and landscapes. What is more you have increased our vision. Things look like pictures by Mr Piper and look better for having been seen by him".
John Piper; 1981: Binham Abbey, Norfolk
John Piper: works in the Tate Collection
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