Those readers interested in my recent correspondence with Santa Claus, however one way it may have been, will hopefully be pleased to learn that the old duffer apparently considered the standard of my behavior throughout the year as worthy of his personal beneficence. In other words, I discovered the new Edward Burra biography stuffed into my stocking on Christmas morning.
Naturally, I have long been aware that Burra visited Boston on several occasions, but until leafing through the book I had absolutely no idea that the artist twice rented Beacon Hill accommodation during the 1950s, at Anderson and Revere Streets respectively, literally a mere paint brush flick's distance from where I live today. Why this proximity to Burra in space but not time should inspire me so, I don't know, but it does.
The image above is Burra's 1930 watercolor called 'The Green Fig,' which I've borrowed from the British Council's website, although I shouldn't think that they will mind since we are both currently promoting British art. Actually, I'm thinking of recreating this still life in my apartment tonight as I already possess most of the elements, except for that damn Player's Navy Cut matchbox. But perhaps I should have a bit of a lie down first. After all, it has been a very busy festive season for me.
Comments