Relief Eight

Artist Margaret Mellis (Wujingfu, Guangdong, China, 1914 - 2009)

Date1980

Mediumdriftwood on canvas board

ClassificationsSculptures

DimensionsOverall: Height: 86 cm, Width: 56 cm

AcquisitionThe Scottish Arts Council Bequest, 1997.

LocationView by Appointment

Object numberABDAG013614

Keywords

Abstract

About MeAlthough born in China, Mellis moved to Britain as a baby. Later, she attended Edinburgh College of Art where she met Wilhemina Barns-Graham and William Gear. Mellis married Adrian Stokes, a writer and painter, in 1938 and together they moved to St. Ives. The couple invited Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth to stay with them at the outbreak of the Second World War.

It was Ben Nicholson who encouraged Mellis to use collage in order to create difference surfaces and textures within her work. Gradually these collages became structured reliefs consisting of assemblages of driftwood. Mellis left Cornwall in 1946 and after periods in the south of France and Suffolk, she settled in Southwold.

More About Me

Collections Wall

Feeling inspired about Aberdeen's collections? Keep an eye out in the Art Gallery, “What’s On”, or on our website for opportunities to get your own thoughts published on this Wall!

Exhibitions

Gallery 17 - Abstract Art