David Bomberg Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

David Bomberg (1890-1957) was a pioneering British painter and influential teacher who lived and worked at 10 Fordwych Road in West Hampstead from 1928 to 1934. Born in Birmingham to Polish-Jewish immigrants, Bomberg grew up in London’s East End. He studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, where he became a leading figure in the avant-garde movement of the early 20th century.

Bomberg’s early work was characterized by bold, geometric forms and a vivid color palette, influenced by Cubism and Futurism. His paintings often depicted the dynamism and energy of modern urban life. During World War I, he served as an official war artist, creating powerful, expressionistic images of the front lines.

After the war, Bomberg’s style evolved, embracing a more figurative approach. He traveled extensively, painting landscapes in Palestine, Spain, and Cyprus. During his time at 10 Fordwych Road, he produced a series of portraits and landscapes that showcased his mastery of form and color. Bomberg also became an influential teacher, inspiring a generation of artists at the Borough Polytechnic Institute in London.

Today, Bomberg is recognized as one of the most significant British artists of the 20th century. His works can be found in major collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The blue plaque at his former West Hampstead residence, erected in 1996, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and his connection to this vibrant corner of London.