Combine in a Cornfield, Lithograph, 1961
Bernard Cheese met fellow student Sheila Robinson at the Royal College of Art (RCA), and they married in 1951. Both artists worked on Festival of Britain murals alongside their art-school tutor and close friend Edward Bawden. He introduced the couple to Great Bardfield, and in 1953, they moved to Bardfield End Green. After their separation in 1957, Bernard moved to Stisted, where he set up his studio in a rented Sunday school room. Here Bernard produced fine art prints and worked on commissions for poster designs and illustration for a wide range of clients including London Transport, the BBC and P&O Cruises.
Bernard’s enthusiasm for lithography was fired at the RCA by Edwin La Dell, who also encouraged him to observe and record the everyday activities going on around him. The harvesting scene depicted by Bernard from the early 1960s can be seen playing out now across the East of England. Come to the Gallery and enjoy this picture and many others illustrating the deep connection between Fry Gallery artists and the landscape of Essex.
Great Bardfield and Beyond: A Working Landscape is at the Fry Art Gallery until 27th October 2024.