This is a significant display of the work of German-born artist Walter Nessler (1912-2001), who emigrated to Britain in the 1930s.
Though not Jewish, Nessler opposed fascist ideology and was denounced as ‘degenerate’ by the Nazi regime. This exhibition examines the breadth and versatility of his artistic practice from dynamic and foreboding wartime cityscapes to exuberant post-war paintings. These later works were inspired by his passion for jazz, the inspiration of Matisse and his acquaintance with artists including Picasso, Giacometti and Cocteau whom he met in Paris during the late 1940s and 50s.
The exhibition is part of Insiders/Outsiders, a nationwide arts festival taking place throughout 2019 to celebrate refugees from Nazi Europe and their contribution to British culture.