Seven and Five Society

Seven and Five Society. The Seven and Five Society was a progressive artists' association founded in London in 1919, initially as a conservative counterpoint to more radical modernist movements. Its name derived from its original seven painters and five sculptors, though its membership and artistic direction evolved dramatically. By the late 1920s, under the influence of younger members, it transformed into a leading proponent of avant-garde art in Britain, championing pure abstraction before its dissolution in 1935.

History and formation

The society was established in the aftermath of the First World War, a period marked by significant artistic ferment across Europe. Its founding members, including Frank Dobson and Charles Ginner, sought to promote a return to order and traditional craftsmanship, reacting against the perceived excesses of movements like Vorticism. Early exhibitions were held at venues such as the Walker's Galleries in London, showcasing work that emphasized structure and pictorial design. The group's initial conservative stance was soon challenged by the admission of younger, more experimentally minded artists, setting the stage for a profound ideological shift.

Artistic philosophy and influences

Originally aligned with principles akin to the Camden Town Group, the society's philosophy underwent a radical transformation. Influenced by continental avant-garde movements, particularly Post-Impressionism, Cubism, and later, pure abstraction, members began to reject representational art. Key figures like Ben Nicholson and Christopher Wood were instrumental in this change, drawing inspiration from pioneers such as Piet Mondrian and the Bauhaus. The society's ethos came to prioritize formal values, geometric simplification, and the spiritual potential of abstract art, distancing itself entirely from its pastoral and figurative origins.

Key members and notable works

The roster evolved to include many pivotal figures in twentieth-century British art. Early sculptors like Frank Dobson were later joined by painters including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, David Jones, Cedric Morris, and Frances Hodgkins. Ivon Hitchens and John Piper were also notable participants. Landmark works associated with the society include Nicholson's stark white reliefs, Hepworth's early carved forms, and Wood's primitive-style paintings like those created in St Ives. The membership of Henry Moore, though brief, also linked the society to major developments in modern sculpture.

Exhibitions and public reception

The society's annual exhibitions, primarily in London, charted its dramatic evolution. Early shows received modest, conventional attention, but by 1926, with Ben Nicholson joining the hanging committee, the presentations became increasingly avant-garde. A pivotal 1935 exhibition, featuring entirely abstract works, was held at Zwemmer Gallery and is often considered its apex. Critical reception was mixed, with some London critics baffled by the turn to abstraction, while others hailed the society as the vanguard of modern art in Britain, influencing institutions like the London Group.

Dissolution and legacy

The society dissolved in 1935, effectively concluding with its landmark abstract exhibition. Its end coincided with the rise of larger, more organized collectives like Unit One and the broader international spread of abstraction. The legacy of the Seven and Five Society is profound; it provided a crucial platform for the development of British modernism, nurturing the careers of artists who would define mid-century art. Its journey from traditionalism to radical abstraction mirrors the broader trajectory of 20th-century art, and its influence is evident in subsequent movements and the collections of major museums like the Tate.

Category:Art groups based in London Category:Modern art