John Plumb (1927–2008) – British Artist and Painter

John Plumb, born in 1927 in Luton, Bedfordshire, was a British artist known for his evolution from abstraction to figurative painting. Plumb’s artistic journey began at Luton School of Art (1942–45), followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art (1948–50), and the Central School of Art and Design (1952–54), where he studied under influential teachers such as Victor Pasmore, Keith Vaughan, and William Turnbull.

As an artist and teacher, Plumb played a pivotal role in shaping post-war British art. He was known for his early abstract work, often incorporating vinyl and cloth tapes in his paintings to explore geometric forms and visual perception. Plumb exhibited with the Artists' International Association (AIA) during the 1950s and participated in the Situation Group exhibitions of the 1960s, a collective of artists focused on abstract and conceptual art. His early solo shows were held at notable London galleries like Gallery One and the New Vision Centre Gallery.

From 1955 to 1968, Plumb taught at the Central School of Art, where he influenced many aspiring artists. He also held teaching positions at Luton College of Technology and Maidstone College of Art. His teaching career extended beyond the UK, as he taught at Bennington College in Vermont, USA, during 1968–69, before returning to the Central School.

Although Plumb’s work was predominantly abstract in his early career, by the late 1970s, he began to shift toward a more figurative style, adding new dimensions to his artistic practice. His works were exhibited internationally, including in the USA at the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo and in the UK at the Tate Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery, and the Hayward Gallery.

Plumb’s legacy is cemented in major public collections such as the Tate Gallery, the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, and the Gulbenkian Foundation. His influence extends through both his paintings and his role as an educator, contributing to the development of modern British art. John Plumb passed away in 2008, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire contemporary artists and art lovers.

Source: Various web based research and articles