Art Collections Online
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)
JOHN, Augustus (1878 - 1961)
© Courtesy of the Artist's Estate/Bridgeman Art Library
Date: 1937-8
Media: oil on canvas
Size: 41.4 x 35.0 cm
Acquired: 1942; Gift; Contemporary Art Society
Accession Number: NMW A 159
The artist met Dylan Thomas (1914-53) at the Fitzroy Tavern, probably in 1935, and introduced him to Caitlin Macnamara, whom he married in 1937. This is one of a pair of portraits of the young poet by John. Both probably date from late 1937 or early 1938 when Thomas and his wife were staying at her mother's house in Hampshire not far from John's home at Fryern Court. The artist recalled 'I got him to to sit for me twice, the second portrait being the more successful: provided with a bottle of beer he sat very patiently.'
Comments - (13)
Hope you are well.
I am trying to find out more about the 1998 exhibition at Tenby Museum.
Was this an exhibition solely dedicated to the work of Augustus John? Is there a catalogue available?
I am asking as I am trying to establish if a particular work by John was on display at this exhibition.
Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.
Best wishes,
Daniel
Thank you very much for your enquiry. You’re quite right; this portrait was lent to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery in 1998 and again in 2007.
Best wishes,
Marc
Digital Team
Dear R. Evans,
Thank you very much for your enquiry. This painting is scheduled to return to National Museum Cardiff in May 2019, but I'm not yet aware of any plans for it to return immediately to public display. I advise that you contact our Art department in May, and if the work is not on display they will arrange for you to view it in storage. I apologise that I cannot give a more definite answer at this time.
Best wishes,
Marc
Digital Team
Dear Terry,
Thank you very much for your enquiry. This work is indeed still available as a print; please see this page on our online shop.
Best wishes,
Marc
Digital Team
Unfortunately they are now somewhat faded - is it still available as a print?
Dear Patricia,
Thank you for your comment, you are able to purchase prints from our collection online and have it delivered direct.
Diolch yn fawr/Thank you,
Graham Davies
Digital team.
Dear Roy,
Thank you for your enquiry. At the moment, the painting is not on display, as it is being condition checked and conserved after being on public display and out on loan. Apologies for any disappointment this may cause.
Best
Sara
Digital Team