Edward Seago
1910 - 1974
Edward Seago was one of Britain's finest 20th century impressionist painters. He was born in Norwich on 31st March 1910, the son of a local coal merchant. He studied at the Royal Drawing Society and won an award at the age of 14. Although Seago was largely self-taught he did receive some instruction from Bertram Priestman.Edward Seago was involved in the publication of many books throughout his career. In 1934 he published a book entitled 'Sons of Sawdust' which told of circus life in the West of Ireland. He also published 'Peace in War' (1943), 'High Endeavour' (1944), 'With The Allied Armies in Italy' (1945) and his autobiography 'A Canvas to Cover' (1947). In 1936 some 42 of his paintings were used to accompany John Masefield's collection of poems, 'The Country Scene' and he worked with Masefield again on 'Tribute to Ballet' in 1937 and 'A Generation Risen' (1942). During the Second World War Seago served with the Royal Engineers and often painted in Italy with Field-Marshal Lord Alexander. His war pictures were exhibited in 1946 at the Norwich and Bristol Municipal Galleries. The pinnacle of his successful career was an exhibition at St. James's Palace in 1957 of paintings executed by him whilst accompanying the Duke of Edinburgh on his world tour.