Although Ray Mead (1921-1988) was born in the UK, and studied at the famed Slade School of Art, and served in the Royal Air Force during the war, his career as an artist was established and blossomed in Canada.  

Mead immigrated to Canada and settled in Hamilton in 1946. He had important relationships with Walter Yarwood and Hortense Gordon. The later shared many of her lessons that she had absorbed from studying with Hans Hoffmann.

In the early 1950s, Mead made several trips to New York City being influenced by the nascent dominance of Abstract Expressionism. As a result, Mead's work is a fine synthesis of both European Modernism and mid-century American abstraction. Mead would be part of the core group of members of Painters Eleven. 

Mead was not nearly as active as some of his contemporaries (notably Harold Town and William Ronald) after the demise of Painters Eleven. He, in fact, took a significant amount of time off from being a studio artist in order to focus on graphic design.

Despite the art market's predictable preference for works created during the 1950s, Mead is one member of Painters Eleven who arguably became more distinctive (and perhaps better!) towards the end of his life. His compositions become more confident and graphic, often alluding to the late works of Robert Motherwell.

This multi-media collage is a fine example from the last chapter of the artist's career. 

Interested in Painters Eleven? Check out works by its other key members: , , and 

Questions about this artwork?  or call 1.416.704.1720

"Untitled"

Canada, 1982

Acrylic and collage on board

Signed and dated by the artist

23"H 18.5"W (work)

28.5"H 23.75"W (framed)

Very good condition.