Leon Golub and Nancy Spero
the Jon Bird gift

Having met at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the late 1940s and married in 1951, Golub and Spero worked both independently and in collaboration. They sought to effect change and raise consciousness, and made work that reflected their progressive social and political convictions. Both explored themes of war, torture, the corruption of power, violence, racial inequality and oppression although for Spero, women were always at the centre. Golub and Spero had distinctive styles and approaches to making art, but shared influences and motivations, and worked in dialogue throughout their lives.

This display featured a print by Spero using the now rare hectograph method and an early figurative etching by Golub, which went against the grain at a time when Abstract Expressionism dominated American art. Most of the works in this display were donated by Jon Bird, a London-based writer, curator, teacher and artist. Bird worked with Golub and Spero over many years, curating exhibitions and writing about their work. He developed a close relationship with both, often staying with them in New York. Many of the works in Bird's collection were given to him by the artists as an expression of their gratitude and affection.