Josef Herman RA 1911 - 2000

Born in Warsaw, Poland. In 1929-31 studied at School of Art and Decoration in Warsaw. In 1938 left Poland for Brussels, where he was influenced by Permeke. Moved to Britain in 1940, lived in Glasgow for a time where he met Jankel Adler, then moved to London where he had a show at Lefevre Galleries. A period of great importance began when Herman settled for about a decade from mid-1940's in the Welsh mining village, Ystradgynlais and began a series of sombre-hued paintings and ink drawings of miners and their environment. In 1946 had first of a number of solo shows at Roland, Browse and Delbanco, also began to show internationally. Had first of several retrospectives at Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1960, others including Swansea and Glasgow public galleries in 1963 and 1975 respectively. His work is represented in many public art collections including the Tate Gallery. Elected RA in 1990.