SKU: 11897
Richard Swaby Platt
(1928-2013)
Surrealist Seascape
£8,750
Richard Swaby Platt (1928-2013)
£8,750
Size:
Height – 57cm
Width – 77cm
1 in stock
This painting of the Dymchurch sea wall by Richard Swaby Platt closely echoes Paul Nash’s works from the same area, particularly The Shore (1923), The Wall, Dymchurch (1925), and Winter Sea (1925). Like Nash, Platt uses strong linear perspective and the repeating forms of groynes and sea defenses to structure the scene. But while Nash infuses these elements with symbolic or psychological depth—often hinting at post-war unease or dreamlike stillness—Platt’s approach feels calmer and more observational.
The muted palette and lack of figures are similar, but Nash’s skies often carry tension or mystery, whereas Platt’s are pale and static. Nash’s Dymchurch paintings can feel surreal or charged; Platt’s is steadier, almost architectural in its clarity. The elevated tower here echoes Nash’s interest in solitary structures but without the same metaphysical overtones.
Platt’s work doesn’t imitate Nash, but offers a cleaner, more grounded take on the same subject—less about mood, more about form.
Printmaker born in London the son of artist John Gerald Platt. Richard Platt followed in his father’s footsteps and studied at the Royal College of Art, 1950-53 under Robert Austin. After leaving college he exhibited at the Royal Academy, at the New English Art Club, with the London Group and at The Wilton Gallery. He had a solo exhibition at the Leicester Galleries in 1956 and produced many fine lithographs of people at work and play. In the early 1960’s he relocated to Falmouth, Cornwall and instead of printmaking and painting he followed his other passion of music and had a very successful career as a musicologist and a specialist in English 18th Century music. Examples of his work are held by the British Council, Government Art Collection and Bradford Museums and Galleries.