Edna Mann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Mann
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Edna Mann, 1963
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| Born | 1926 London, UK
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| Died | 1985 (aged 58–59) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Dagenham School of Art, South-East Essex Technical College and School of Art, Borough Polytechnic |
| Known for | Painting, Writing |
Edna Mann (1926 – 1985) was a talented British painter. She was also one of the artists who helped start a group called the Borough Group.
Edna Mann's Early Life and Art Training
Edna Mann grew up in London, UK. She went to Romford County High School for Girls. After high school, she decided to study art. She attended the South-East Essex Technical College and School of Art.
In 1942, while at art school, Edna met two important people. One was her teacher, David Bomberg. The other was a fellow student, Dorothy Mead. At first, Edna and Dorothy weren't sure about Bomberg's teaching style. It was very different from what they expected. But soon, they really liked his unique way of teaching art.
In 1945, Edna won a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at the famous Royal College of Art. However, she only stayed there for one year. The college didn't agree with Bomberg's art ideas. Because of this, Edna decided to leave.
Joining the Borough Group
Edna Mann and Dorothy Mead continued to follow David Bomberg. They studied with him at the City Literary Institute. Later, they moved to the Borough Polytechnic (which is now London South Bank University). This was in 1946.
At Borough Polytechnic, Edna became a founding member of the Borough Group. This was a group of artists who were inspired by Bomberg's teachings. Other founding members included Cliff Holden (who was the first president), Dorothy Mead, and Peter Richmond.
The Borough Group held their first art show in June 1947. It took place at the Archer Gallery. Later that year, in December 1947, Edna Mann and the Borough Group had another show. This one was at the Everyman Cinema in Hampstead. The exhibition featured paintings by Cliff Holden, Dorothy Mead, Miles Richmond, Dinora, Leslie Marr, and Lilian Holt.
Edna continued to show her art with the group for some time. However, she later left the group. David Bomberg believed it was very difficult to be a serious artist while also raising young children.
Later Career and Works
In February 1965, Edna Mann worked on a radio play. It was called "The Leavers." She co-wrote it with Frank Hitchcock, Nigel Graham, and Anthony Hall. The play was performed on the BBC.
Edna also took part in the Harlow Arts Festival. In 1965, she had her very first solo exhibition. This means she had a whole art show just for her own paintings. It was held at the Drian Gallery.
Some of Edna Mann's known artworks include:
- Bent Figure, a charcoal drawing on paper (around 1949). You can find it in the collection of the Borough Road Gallery.
- Cityscape, a drawing made with charcoal and chalk on paper (around 1949). This is also at the Borough Road Gallery.
- Exterior of Westminster Abbey, a charcoal drawing on paper from 1946. It's part of the Borough Road Gallery collection.
- Interior, St Paul’s Cathedral, a charcoal drawing on paper from 1946. This piece is held by the Borough Road Gallery.
- Interior St Paul’s Cathedral, a charcoal and blue wash drawing from 1946. It's in the Borough Road Gallery collection.
- Interior St Paul’s Cathedral, another charcoal and yellow wash drawing (around 1949). This one is also at the Borough Road Gallery.
