Interactions: Martin Bloch & Josef Herman Peter Rossiter
The two artists first met in 1943. Martin’s brother-in-law, the art restoration expert Helmut Ruhemann, had made the introductions, suggesting they had “something in common”. Josef knew of Martin’s work and reputation before this. His flight from native Poland brought him to Britain in 1940 where the authorities eventually directed him to Glasgow. There he found friendship, support and encouragement from the sculptor Benno Schotz. Josef assisted Schotz in mounting the Jewish Art Exhibition at The Glasgow Jewish Institute which ran from December 1942 to January 1943. The catalogue indicates that Martin exhibited two works in this exhibition: a London street scene titled The Red Lion, Barnes which was painted in February 1939; and “a Self Portrait”.
Martin Bloch, The Red Lion, Barnes © 2005 Peter Mennim 2005 Peter Mennim
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