Two new exhibitions at Tate Britain are showcasing the work of Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, two very influential British artists who had links with the Surrealists movement.

After the press view at Tate Britain for both exhibitions on Wednesday 11 June 2025 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Eliza Spindel, Assistant Curator of both the Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun exhibitions to find out more about the background to both Artist work, their importance within the Art World at the time along with what we can all learn from experiencing their work today.

About Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun: 

Edward Burra is one of the most distinctive British artists of the 20th century, renowned for his vibrant, satirical scenes of the uninhibited urban underworld and queer culture during the ‘Roaring Twenties.’

Ithell Colquhoun is one of the most radical artists of her generation, an important figure in British Surrealism during the 1930s and 1940s. An innovative writer and practicing occultist, Colquhoun charted her own course, investigating surrealist methods of unconscious picture-making and fearlessly delving into the realms of myth and magic.

The Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun exhibitions continue at Tate Britain until 19 October 2025. Audio described tours of the exhibition with one of Tate’s Visitor Engagement Assistants can be booked in advance by either emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7887 8888.  

More details about the exhibitions can be found on the following pages of the Tate website - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/burra-and-colquhoun

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