PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF HUGH CRONYN (LOTS 61-66)
HUGH CRONYN (1905-1996)
The Black Lion
woodcut, unframed
sheet:15.3 x 17.5 cm (6 x 6 3/4 in)

PROVENANCE:
Artist's Estate

Executed circa 1939. Cronyn acquired his talent for wood engraving from his neighbour Gertrude Hermes when he first moved to 27A St Peter’s Square, Hammersmith in 1935. He subsequently moved to 9A Black Lion Lane, with the pub immediately opposite. In his unpublished memoirs he recalls the landlord and his wife Arthur and Florrie with affection, the skittle alley where he played frequently, and the life surrounding St Peter’s Square, Hammersmith up to King Street and Chiswick – pre-construction of the A4 dual carriageway – as being ‘like a small village’. The writer, humourist and politician AP Herbert (‘APH’) would hold court at the Black Lion every Sunday. It was through such gatherings that Cronyn met so many artists, writers and thinkers of the day.