Elias Martin: A Swedish Émigré in London (1768-1780)

Tear, Paul (2017) Elias Martin: A Swedish Émigré in London (1768-1780). Masters thesis, Buckinghamshire New University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the career of the painter, Elias Martin (1739–1818) during the period 1768 to 1780, when he was working and living in England. It investigates Martin’s relationships with the renowned architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) together with the Swedish Circle of Émigrés, an influential circle of artists and designers based in London during this period. The thesis aims to explore, through a number of key institutions and projects, how Martin’s collaboration with members of the Swedish Circle remained an important critical stimulus in the development of his identity as an artist and designer during his stay in London. By reappraising a range of primary material and analysing the projects that he participated in and visited, it will be shown that there was a far greater level of co-operation between artists and craftsmen of different disciplines in late eighteenth century London than there is today. Much has been written on art in the eighteenth century, little has been written on the subject of relationships between the various professions that made up this sector. It identifies omissions in the literature that required further investigation and hence themes of study were established. Therefore, the main aim of the thesis is to re-appraise and offer greater insights into this period by drawing together connections which have previously been overlooked by historians and scholars. This research is located where the traditional boundaries of Decorative and Fine Art fields overlap. It contributes to current critical discourse in the field from a practitioner’s perspective with over thirty-seven years of experience as a professional conservator. From this insight, the thesis discusses connections between inter-disciplinary influences, and the process through which works were conceived and developed through examples of Martin’s work across several media. It provides better understanding of the working/personal relationships among a number of artists working in London in the late eighteenth century.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Keywords:	Elias Martin, London, Artist, Sir William Chambers, Emigre
Divisions:	?? BucksNewUniversity ??
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	09 May 2017 11:11
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2017 19:27
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/15672

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