The art of Maxwell Armfield, 1881–1972
De Profundis.
I’ve known Maxwell Armfield’s work in the past mainly for the appearance of his paintings in books of late Victorian or even Pre-Raphaelite art. His depiction of Faustine (1904), which illustrates a Swinburne poem, is probably the most popular of these, with a subject resembling Rossetti’s portraits of Jane Morris. So it’s a surprise to find his illustration work using a very different, more open style based on Ancient Greek art and (possibly) Classical enthusiasts such as John Flaxman. Among the online examples, the redoubtable Archive.org has a few book downloads available including a volume of Armfield’s rather tepid poetry, The Hanging Garden, and other verse (1914), which nonetheless includes the fine illustrations shown here. In addition there’s a curious fable by Vernon Lee, The Ballet of the Nations; a Present-day Morality (1915) in which Death stages a ballet (aka another war) to decimate humanity, and a short book Rhythmic Shape; A Text-book of Design (1920), Armfield’s guide to art and design theory.
“Out of the East he came.”
Elsewhere on { feuilleton }
• The illustrators archive
12 comments or trackbacks
#1 posted by anne sharpe
Oct 30th, 2009
I have what seems like a very old book “Stories from Hans Chrisian Andersen” published by The Temple Press, Printers, Letchworth,( no date), translated by Mrs E Lucas and illustrated by Maxwell Armfield. The illustrations are delightful! I wondered if you could assist in advising me as to whether the book is worth any money, and even if not, what should I do with it? I live in South Africa, but travel to the UK quite often. Thanks
#2 posted by John
Oct 30th, 2009
Hi Anne. I only write about things I like, I’m not a book dealer. If you want to know the going rate of a book I’d advise browsing Abebooks. I doubt that you’ll find anyone online interested in buying a book unless they can see the volume in person, photos don’t show you the overall condition, whether pages are missing/damaged, etc.
#3 posted by Brigid Wells
Nov 21st, 2009
My aunt Evelyn Richmond was a friend of Maxwell Armfield and I have inherited several letters to her from him. Are they of any interest to you or anybody else? They are mainly about mutual friends but there are one or two references to his pictures, inlcuding one of a vase of anemones which he painted for her and which we still have.
#4 posted by John
Nov 22nd, 2009
Hi Brigid. I’m mainly interested in Armfield’s drawings but if any further visitors wish to discuss his letters with you I’ll be happy to forward their contact details.
#5 posted by eamonn loughran
Dec 2nd, 2009
hi brigid, am very interested in anything to do with maxwell armfiled, particularly his quasi-esoteric interests. if you have any info or letters/poems etc concerning this area of armfields life and activity (ie post 1940) please get in touch:
francisdashwood@hotmail.co.uk
#6 posted by craig switzer
Dec 6th, 2009
Hi
I’ve tried for over 35 years to find out what the painting by Maxwell Armfield on the Fleetwood Mac album “Then Play On” is called. Any infomation as to where this art is located and some history would be very much appreciated.
#7 posted by John
Dec 6th, 2009
Hi Craig. I wasn’t aware of that cover until now. It’s not an illustration I’ve seen elsewhere.
#8 posted by craig switzer
Dec 9th, 2009
Hi John
In 1973 I read that Armfield had pass way the year before and as a small homage to him (and Peter Green) I ratioed the album cover out 4 to 1 and made a 4 feet by 6 feet tapestry of that Armfield painting. It took six months to make.
#9 posted by muriel lhermé
Jan 24th, 2010
Hi John,
This is not about Maxwell Armfield but here is the reason why I am posting. I am writing a biography of the actress Margaret Leighton. I have been doing a lot of researching, including meeting members of her family and getting in touch with some fellow players such as Paul Scofield . Trying to get in touch,( from France), with some more friends and connections, I spotted that MS Brigid Wells- who was a friend of hers during her years at the Old Vic in the Forties, was posting in your site. I am wondering if you would mind helping me and passing my email to her, just in case she would like to contribute.
Thank you very much for any time you would spend on this.
Muriel Lhermé
#10 posted by Martin Woodhead
Jan 24th, 2010
Hi
I am a cousin of Maxwell’s and by my uncle,Stuart Armfield who studied Tempera with him I have been given one of Maxwell’s sketch books.
I would like to place this in some institution which would look after it and wondered if anyone knows of a MA archive any where.
I did meet Maxwell a few times and he was a very interesting man.
Regards
Martin
#11 posted by bob gowan
Jan 27th, 2010
Craig,
I am in precisely the same boat as you. I find it odd that it should be so difficult to find the name of the piece or other images…
#12 posted by Chris Garner
Feb 23rd, 2010
Stroud Theatre Company are presenting a new play about Constance Smedley ( and Maxwell Armfield) called ” The Amazing and Preposterous Constance Smedley” by Frank Hatt at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from 11th-13th march 2010. We particularly focus in on Constance and Max’s time in Minchinhampton, Stroud after they are married. Please refer to the website (www.stroudtheatrecompany.co.uk) for further information.
Hope you can make the show!
Leave a comment for ‘The art of Maxwell Armfield, 1881–1972’