“In autumn 2024, Dulwich Picture Gallery will present the first major exhibition devoted to the artist and designer Tirzah Garwood (1908–1951) since 1952. Best known until now as the wife of Eric Ravilious and as the author of the autobiography Long Live Great Bardfield, Garwood excelled as a fine artist and printmaker. Her diverse and enchanting works are gems of the mid-20th century.

Curated by James Russell, who previously created the Gallery’s 2015 blockbuster exhibition ‘Ravilious’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Edward Bawden’ show in 2018, this retrospective will be the first time the full extent of Tirzah Garwood’s output will be shown. Her paintings and 3D constructions will be given the public showcase and critical examination they deserve, while examining her development of a distinctive “sophisticated naive” approach that subtly transformed innocent subjects to unsettling effect.

More than 80 works by Tirzah Garwood, almost exclusively from private collections and including books, studies and ephemera, will be accompanied by around 12 artworks by Eric Ravilious setting the context in which the artists worked together and exploring the shared interests and techniques of this remarkable creative couple. The exhibition will be accompanied by a full colour catalogue featuring new research, and special essays by Ella Ravilious, Eric and Tirzah’s granddaughter, and writer Jennifer Higgie.”