Cedric Morris

Cedric Morris (1889 - 1982)

Cedric Morris was a painter, teacher and plantsman, born in Sketty, Swansea, into a local industrial family. Sir Cedric succeeded his father as the 9th Baronet in 1947. After Charterhouse School Morris worked in Canada, studied singing in London, then in 1914 attended Académie Délécluse in Paris. After a period spent working in Cornwall Morris moved to Paris in 1921 where he was involved in avant-garde circles around Académies Moderne, Suédoise, La Grande Chaumière and Atelier Colarossi. He was taught by André Lhote, Othon Friesz and Fernand Léger.

Having met Arthur Lett-Haines, his life-long companion, in 1918 they travelled extensively together in Europe and North Africa through the twenties, returning to London in 1927. Morris was elected to the London Group and the 7 & 5 Society thereby consolidating his place at the heart of modern British art. With Lett-Haines, he went on to found the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing at Benton End, near Hadleigh. Notable students taught by Morris and Lett-Haines include Lucian Freud and Maggi Hambling. 

Later in life Morris lectured at Royal College of Art and his enduring legacy is testament to his investment in teaching and advocating for the visual arts throughout his long life. In 1984 a memorial retrospective exhibition was held at Tate and many of his works now sit in public collections.