Edward Seago, born in Norwich in 1910 to a coal merchant, faced adversity early on when a heart ailment confined him to bed at the age of seven. During this time, he turned to painting scenes visible from his bedroom window as a therapeutic way to pass the years. Despite his evident artistic talent, his parents, aspiring for a business-oriented career for him, discouraged his artistic pursuits. Nevertheless, upon recovery, Seago briefly attended the Royal Drawing School, where he garnered recognition with a prize and received instruction in landscape painting from Bertram Priestman.
Seago's life took a different turn during World War II when he served in the Royal Engineers. In 1944, after being invalided out, he was invited to document the Italian Campaign through his paintings. His artistic prowess was officially acknowledged in 1953 when he became the official artist of the Coronation. Notably, Prince Charles admired Seago's ability to capture atmosphere and texture in his paintings during an exhibition at St James’ Palace in 1956.
Originally drawn to a circus in his youth as a response to confinement, Seago's early travels inspired numerous paintings and two illustrated books documenting circus life. Despite his global adventures, he consistently returned to the serene landscapes of Ludham in East Anglia, where his home overlooked the Norfolk broads.
While often described as a quintessentially English painter, Seago's innovative approach to landscape painting gained him global acclaim. Exhibitions at prestigious galleries, including Colnaghi’s in 1945 and Marlborough Fine Art, drew queues, marking the beginning of his widespread popularity. His distinctive style, characterized by a fluid and refreshing use of paint, captured moments in time with spontaneity, conveying the essence of vibrant or reflective moods.
Seago's mature works transcended traditional topography, focusing on capturing atmosphere through an impressionistic style. Influenced by English landscape painters like Sir Alfred Munnings and Dame Laura Knight, he contributed to a lineage reaching back to Constable and Gainsborough. Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Seago's influence extended to later generations of artists, notably impacting East Anglian painters like Ian Houston.
Edward Seago, one of the most beloved and skilled English landscape painters of the last century, held annual post-war exhibitions that were consistently successful, with his works quickly selling out. Today, his art remains highly sought after, a testament to the enduring impact of his innovative and emotionally resonant approach to painting.