Ruskin Spear CBE RA (1911-1990)

Ruskin Spear CBE, RA (1911-1990) was an English painter of portraits and the picaresque. Born 30 June 1911 in Hammersmith. Studied at the Hammersmith School of Art and later at the R.C.A. under Sir William Rothenstein 1931–4. Executed commissions for the War Artists' Advisory Committee and took part in the ‘Recording Britain’ scheme sponsored by the Pilgrim Trust 1940–5. Visiting teacher at the Central School 1945–8 and at the R.C.A. since 1948. Exhibited at the R.A. from 1932; A.R.A. 1944, R.A. 1954. Member of the London Group 1942, President 1949–50. His work is represented in the Tate Gallery