Edward seago rba, arws, rws (1910-1974)

paintings by the british artist captured the hearts of many followers including royalty

Born and schooled in Norfolk Edward Seago was the son of a coal merchant. Confined to bed for much of his childhood suffering from a mysterious heart complaint, Seago had little formal education. He was later tutored by Sir Alfred Munnings and Bertram Priestman, however was largely a self-taught artist.

Amongst many of his wide-ranging admirers were the British Royal family and the Agas Khan to mention just a few. Such was his popularity during his lifetime that prospective purchasers of his works would queue for hours at his annual gallery exhibitions, with just one exception. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who is known to have been one of his greatest supporters, bought so many works during Seago's lifetime that he gave her two a year for her Birthday and at Christmas. 

His diverse interest saw him paint landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes, street scenes, portraits, and his own garden, all classified as either impressionist or post-impressionist. During his time in the army, Seago was asked to undertake one of his more unusual commissions, when asked by his lifetime friend, Field Marshall Auchinleck, to produce designs for developing camouflage techniques. Seago also produced a silver sculpture depicting St. George slaying the dragon, which serves as a car mascot for vehicles in which Queen Elizabeth II travels; the mascot is designed so that it can be easily can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle. In 1953 he was appointed an official Coronation artist, and later, accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh on his world tour.

He spent much of the 1930s working with the touring circus where he recorded the excitement and movement of the shows. Seago was involved in the publication of many books including Sons of Sawdust which told stories of life in the circus, High Endeavour, Peace in War and his own autobiography A Canvas to Cover. Copies of all these titles are included within the Sieverdink sale. 

During his lifetime Seago held exhibitions in major cities throughout the world including London, New York, Montreal, Los Angeles, and Brussels. Today the name Edward Seago still conjures up the same excitement amongst worldwide collectors and art scholars as it did during his early post-war exhibitions. 

Nine watercolours and oil paintings by Edward Seago will be offered in The John Sieverdink Collection auction on 2 March 2022 at 10:30am

Edward Seago 'Poplars by the Orwell'

Estimate: £15,000 - £20,000

The John Sieverdink Collection - 2 March at 10:30am