The surrealist poet Paul Eluard (1895-1952) published over seventy books of poetry and prose. For Eluard painting and poetry were intimately linked, and it was his custom to collaborate with artist friends such as Max Ernst, Man Ray and Pablo Picasso in the production of numerous publications. From 1924-38 he was a key figure in the Surrealist Group in Paris.

In 1930 Eluard met Maria Benz, known as Nusch (1906-1946) a muse and model for Man Ray and for Picasso, and married her in 1934. She inspired some of Eluard's most tender love poems.

Roland Penrose first met Eluard in Paris in 1929; they were introduced by Max Ernst. Their friendship, which lasted until Eluard's death, is well documented in the Gallery's Penrose archive. The display highlights this friendship through letters and photographs. Also included in the display are Eluard's many book collaborations, together with his collages and works from his art collection, purchased by Penrose in 1938.