British Abstract Art
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SOLDSir Thomas Monnington (1902-1976):
Study for the First Students Union Mural, circa 1964
Framed (ref: 5671)
Gouache over pencil
10 1/2 x 19 in. (26 x 48 cm.)
See all works by Sir Thomas Monnington gouache pencil Canney Abstract Art
Design for the University of London Students’ Union Mural, circa 1964
In 1964 The Edwin Austin Abbey Trust for Mural Painting in Great Britain commissioned two works from Monnington for the University of London Students’ Union. The first of the two designs was executed in situ, in polyvinyl acetate on a panel 8 x 20 ft. (see photograph). This design was different from this study, mostly the middle panel has changed in the final piece.
The resultant geometric design is very different from the rather florid Scholar Gypsypainted by Gilbert Spencer R.A in 1957, also commission by the Abbey Trust, on the floor below. The Gilbert Spencer mural has remained in situ, but been painted over. The Monnington mural has suffered a worse fate:it was removed sometime in the mid 1990's and is assumed to have been destroyed.
