Paul Feiler (1918 - 2013) - St Ives Artist

The St Ives Artist influenced by Modern Constructivist and Abstract ideas

Paul Feiler was a British painter known for his contributions to abstract and geometric art, and for his long-standing association with the St Ives School. Born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, he moved to England in 1933 to escape the rise of Nazism. He studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1936 to 1939, alongside artists such as Patrick Heron, Bryan Wynter, and Kenneth Armitage.

During World War II, Feiler was interned as an “enemy alien” on the Isle of Man and in Canada. After returning to England in 1941, he taught art at Eastbourne College, and later at the West of England College of Art in Bristol, where he became Head of Painting in 1960.

Feiler married artist June Miles in 1945, (who later married sculptor Paul Mount), with whom he had three children. After their separation, he married Catharine Armitage, also an artist, in 1970. They had twin sons and lived in a converted chapel in Kerris, near Newlyn in Cornwall, which served as both his home and studio.

Artistic Influences and Evolution

Feiler’s early work was rooted in landscape painting, but his visit to Cornwall in 1949 marked a turning point. The region’s light and coastal forms inspired a shift toward abstraction. He became associated with the St Ives group, which included artists like Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton, and William Scott.

Feiler’s style evolved significantly over time. Initially influenced by Abstract Expressionism, he later embraced Constructivism and Suprematism, drawing inspiration from artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Nicolas de Staël. His work became increasingly geometric, featuring circles, squares, and vertical bands, often using silver and gold leaf to explore spatial depth and light.

He was particularly interested in the concept of “elusive space”—how visual elements could suggest depth and structure without relying on traditional perspective. His compositions were carefully planned, often using poured paint techniques and structured forms to create balance and tension.

Influence on Contemporary Artists

Feiler’s disciplined approach to abstraction and his exploration of spatial relationships have influenced a number of contemporary artists working in geometric and minimalist styles. His legacy is especially strong among artists who value precision, structure, and emotional restraint in abstract art.

Recent retrospectives, such as those at Tate St Ives and the Jerwood Gallery, have reintroduced his work to new audiences and highlighted his role in shaping post-war British modernism. His paintings continue to be studied for their formal innovation and philosophical depth, and are held in major collections including:

• Tate St Ives

• Victoria and Albert Museum

• National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.)

• Bibliothèque nationale de France

• Art Gallery of Ontario

• Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge

Source: www.artbiogs.co.uk; paulfeiler.com and various webpages