About this artwork

Wells had a very keen interest in music. This work is thought to have been inspired by his friend, the artist Sven Berlin, dancing to music in his garden. Wells was interested in the parallels between abstract painting and the structure of music, in terms of the use of rhythm, balance and tension. He also studied mathematical systems of proportion and used geometry in his paintings and collages. In this painting a grid marked in pencil can be seen beneath the paint; this was used to help create a balanced and harmonious composition.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    John Wells (1907 - 2000) English
  • title:
    Music in a Garden
  • date created:
    1947
  • materials:
    Oil and pencil on canvas
  • measurements:
    50.80 x 60.90 cm; Framed: 76.00 x 86.20 x 4.90 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by John Wells 2000; received 2001
  • accession number:
    GMA 4422
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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John Wells

John Wells