Writer and curator James Russell introduces his new and definitive guide to one of the finest painters of the 20th century, Eric Ravilious.

Russell is the first writer to produce a full-length critical study of the watercolours of the British artist and designer. The work coincides with a Ravilious exhibition curated by Russell at Dulwich Picture Library, which runs until August 31. Ravilious had a prolific career that spanned times of war and peace. At the outbreak of World War II he was assigned to the Royal Navy as a war artist. He witnessed the Allied invasion and retreat from Norway and his works included a watercolour of HMS Ark Royal in action. He also painted classic landscapes of Sussex and the South Downs.

Russell writes and lectures widely about 20th-century British painting and design. His works include a four-volume series Ravilious in Pictures and ones devoted to Edward Seago, Peggy Angus and Paul Nash. He will be introduced by the director of Compton Verney, Dr Steven Parissien.

Presented by Compton Verney