James Fitton, 1899-1982

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Main details for this item.

Reference number	1996/4904
Name	James Fitton ARA, RA, FSIA
Born	1899
Collection	People
Object type	Person
Completeness	56% 56% ?

• Biography

  Attribute	Value
  Biography	James Fitton was born in Oldham, Lancashire, and trained as a fabric designer, then went to Manchester School of Art, financing his studies with nightshift work in the docks. He moved to London in 1923, where he worked under A S Hartrick. During the 1930s, he studied and later taught lithography at the Central School of Art and Design. A successful freelance commercial artist, he worked in advertising and on book illustrations. A painter of figure and landscape subjects, he was also a lithographer and poster designer, designing posters for LT and film posters for the Lasky Corporation. His humorous characterisation and rich vivid colouring was a common feature of his work. He was a founder-member of the Artists' International Association in 1933 and the following year was elected as a member of the London Group. His first one-man show was held at Arthur Tooth and Sons in 1933. It was during World War Two that he designed posters for London Transport and also for the Ministry of Food. He was commissioned to paint murals for the Seaside Section at the Festival of Britain. Fitton was elected an associate to the Royal Academy in 1944, becoming a full RA in 1954. Unlike most of his fellow London Group members, he was content to exhibit at the conservative RA. He also served on the Art Panel of the Arts Council. From 1969 to 1975 he was a trustee of the British Museum.
  Place of birth	Oldham, Lancashire, United Kingdom
  Education	Manchester School of Art, Central School of Arts and Crafts , 1925
  Employment	Designed posters for the Underground Group and London Transport, 1936-1943 Designed posters for London's Tramways, 1925
  Role	Artist, Artist,