Colin Middleton MBE RHA RUA (1910-1983)
A Series of Four, with Poems
Pen, ink and type, 26 x 16cm (10¼ x 6¼'')

Colin Middleton was deeply involved in the world of poetry as well as that of...

Colin Middleton MBE RHA RUA (1910-1983)
A Series of Four, with Poems
Pen, ink and type, 26 x 16cm (10¼ x 6¼'')

Colin Middleton was deeply involved in the world of poetry as well as that of art. His second wife, Kathleen, was a recognised poet, and he numbered many leading Irish poets among his friends, including John Hewitt, Seamus Heaney and Michael Longley; the latter two wrote poems inspired by Middletons painting and he also provided drawings to accompany Heaneys Sweeney Astray.

Middleton himself wrote poetry for much of his life and in 1947 John Hewitt encouraged Robert Greacen to include his work in an Anthology of Modern Irish Poetry. Although his writing was undoubtedly an independent activity, its themes and ideas do often relate to his painting. According to Michael Longley, who has written with great insight on Middleton, he claimsthat his poetry has now become a philosophical aid to the painter, a catalyst. (Michael Longley, Colin Middleton, Dublin Magazine, 1967)

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