Herbert Read Quotes
A collection of quotes by Herbert Read.
Herbert Read (1893-1968) was a prominent British poet, critic, and art historian. Born in Yorkshire, England, he grew up in a working-class family and had limited formal education due to financial constraints. Despite this, Read developed a profound interest in literature and art from a young age.
During World War I, Read served in the British Army and was exposed to the horrors of war, which deeply influenced his later works. After the war, he became associated with the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of intellectuals and artists in London. Read emerged as an influential figure in the modernist art scene, advocating for experimental art forms and promoting the works of avant-garde artists.
Throughout his career, Read published numerous poetry collections, including "Songs of Chaos" (1915) and "Collected Poems" (1946). He also penned critical essays, the most renowned being "The Meaning of Art" (1931), which explored the philosophical and aesthetic aspects of art.
Apart from his literary accomplishments, Read made significant contributions as an art historian. He believed in the importance of art education and played a vital role in developing artistic discourse in Britain. Read served as the Director of Education for the City of Edinburgh and was the first Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Edinburgh.
Herbert Read's dedication to art and his advocacy for artistic freedom and expression left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Britain. His work continues to inspire artists, writers, and scholars around the world.
