Leonard McComb

Leonard McComb RA, one of six children from an Irish immigrant family, grew up on the outskirts of Manchester. With some encouragement from his father (an amateur painter), the artist transcended his hard, working-class beginnings to become one of the most respected artists of his generation.

An extraordinary draughtsman, McComb’s work combines close observations of people, nature, landscape and still life, capturing the vital energy embodied in the world around us. His mesmerising techniques provide an almost infinite depth to the works, often on an epic scale.

Richard Davey’s illuminating text resonates with the same energy found in McComb’s paintings, providing the reader with analytical deconstructions of the technical aspects of the work and insight into the perspectives of the artist.

Featuring contributions from McComb’s sister, Anne Lee-Draycott, and the artist’s friends and colleagues.

This book shows the artist’s major works, featured in collections such as Tate, National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy of Arts, alongside previously unseen work and intimate excerpts from the artist’s sketchbooks.