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![Battle of the Rocking Horse [study for 'The Battle of Religion']](http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media/4/collection/GMA 3481.jpg)
- John Armstrong
- Battle of the Rocking Horse [study for 'The Battle of Religion']
- Dated 1953
- GMA 3481
John Armstrong (British, 1893 - 1973)
Despite a brief spell at St John?s Wood School of Art in London, Armstrong was largely self-taught as an artist. Following service during World War I he became friends with the actress Elsa Lanchester who ran a late-night theatre club. This led to his involvement in stage and costume design. As a painter he developed an interest in Surrealism and was a member of the English avant-garde group, Unit One. His painting was subsequently greatly affected by his experiences as an official war artist from 1940-5, both in style and subject. Although Armstrong became increasing disabled by Parkinson?s disease in his later years, he continued to paint and travel. At seventy-three he was elected an Associate member of the Royal Academy.
