Private
Collection
Collection
Steven Spurrier
(1878 - 1961)
Animal Run, 1947
Private Collection
Steven Spurrier (1878 - 1961)
Size:
Height – 52cm
Width – 85cm
The painting brings together a cast of acrobats, clowns, jugglers, and equestrian performers in a backstage moment of anticipation and movement. It predates by a year the two Spurrier circus scenes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Clown and Circus Horse and Girl with Three Clowns). While Spurrier was primarily a narrative and atmospheric painter rather than a portraitist, the richly individualised figures—such as the woman in the red robe, the jugglers, and the man in plaid trousers—may be inspired by real performers from the Bertram Mills troupe. These could include trick riders, well- known clowns such as Coco the Clown (Nicolai Poliakoff), or internationally acclaimed aerialists. Operating from the 1920s through the 1960s, Bertram Mills was renowned for its polished performances, international performers, and refined spectacle. Held seasonally at Olympia in London, its shows attracted both the general public and royalty. The circus was particularly famed for its immaculate white horses, acrobats, tightrope walkers, and precisely orchestrated pageantry—all elements vividly echoed in Spurrier’s composition.
The painting brings together a cast of acrobats, clowns, jugglers, and equestrian performers in a backstage moment of anticipation and movement. It predates by a year the two Spurrier circus scenes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Clown and Circus Horse and Girl with Three Clowns). While Spurrier was primarily a narrative and atmospheric painter rather than a portraitist, the richly individualised figures—such as the woman in the red robe, the jugglers, and the man in plaid trousers—may be inspired by real performers from the Bertram Mills troupe. These could include trick riders, well- known clowns such as Coco the Clown (Nicolai Poliakoff), or internationally acclaimed aerialists. Operating from the 1920s through the 1960s, Bertram Mills was renowned for its polished performances, international performers, and refined spectacle. Held seasonally at Olympia in London, its shows attracted both the general public and royalty. The circus was particularly famed for its immaculate white horses, acrobats, tightrope walkers, and precisely orchestrated pageantry—all elements vividly echoed in Spurrier’s composition.
Detail of Animal Run, 1947
Painter, designer and illustrator, born and died in London. Following his father’s profession of silversmith at first, Spurrier studied during the evening at Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, then at the Gilbert Garett School. From 1900 he became a full-time illustrator, working for such publications as Black and White, The Graphic, Illustrated London News and Radio Times. During the World War I he worked on camouflage of ships for the Admiralty. Exhibited with the RA from 1913, elected RA 1952. He was a member of the PS, 1922-38, showing almost every year. Also showed at RBA, ROI, RSA, Goupil Gallery and RHA. He wrote Black and White and Illustration in Wash and Line. Work held by Tate Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum and provincial galleries. John Benison, the designer and artist, was his son. In 1993 a show at Paisnel Gallery highlighted Spurrier’s interest in circus and theatrical subjects.
With thanks to artbiogs.co.uk
