Graham's notebooks largely concern his experiments for the Painter's Formulary. They are also largely illegible, or at least very hard to decipher. But there are a number of personal asides that give an idea of his personality, experiences, and pains. Italics indicate my summaries, notes, etc. This is a preliminary transcription. At some point we may have another stab at deciphering the more obscure passages.
Jotted down before I decided to note what appears in each book
Oblique reference to "my frequent Christmas malaise"
A taste for paradox, "The Thinking Eye" (title of a book by Paul Klee), 'Singing a painting', and two quotes from Gainsborough: "I see pictures in the fire" / "I always use Crommity White" followed by a note 'If these are true - a wily one he'.
Unnumbered Sketchbook NIJMEGEN March '43
Nijmegen: first Dutch city to fall into German hands. During September 1944, the city saw heavy fighting (Operation Market Garden). The objective was mainly to prevent the Germans from destroying the bridges. Capturing the road bridge allowed the British Army XXX Corps to attempt to reach the 1st British Airborne Division in Arnhem. The Germans made repeated attacks on the bridge using bombs attached to driftwood, midget submarines and later resorted to shelling the bridge with 88mm barrages. Troops were positioned on the bridge giving an arc of fire in case of attack. Troops that couldn't fit onto the bridge were positioned in a bombed-out house slightly upstream. During the shelling, the house was hit, killing six soldiers and wounding one more. G's 1943 is unmistakable, yet online sources refer to the battle being in 1944.
Many sketches of hands, also of soldiers and locals, among them: In the diesel train from Brussels to Bourg Leopold, returning to unit; Gerrie Willemgen; Greet Iansen & Truusje - - - - ; Wowtzje Willemsen; Kookhuis.
One page of notes including something about 'Bantam Cock beheaded by No.1 Gun' and 'Fiacre ride in Paris 3m ---- for 50 cigs'
April 1945 sketchbook plum coloured cover
Sketches of soldiers at Arnhem 19 April 1945 i.e. four days after the city was liberated.
Sketches of woodland foliage, one of a young couple in swimsuits, many figures sketched with strikingly minimal wavy lines - drawings more delicate than those in the earlier book
January 1950 Book 3
33 Gloucester Walk, Campden Hill, W8
20 Jan 50 An almost useless piece of Art (liner?) (indecipherable) - my story of de Vries and Gainsbororo (sic). Pathetic that I should have to descend to the level of the art boys to make a living. But the Burlington Magazine seems to like it and it will buy canvas and bread.
See BIOGRAPHY for details.
Thereafter, sketches and comments on paintings - most text in very very faint pencil. Notes from "Sir Joshua's notebooks", presumably Joshua Reynolds. Among the notes, the following:
1770 Sept 7 Set out for Devonshire, Blandford, Dorchester, Bridport (fine prospect - I agree) See my sketchbook of last summer Axminster (the last sentence from Graham or Sir J.?)
Also notes from Arthur Young's North Journey of 1770
16 Feb 50 (beside a sketch of a woman's waist, skirts, legs) Tonight I walked in tears. So many disappointments. I am at the end of my hopes. But there is another and higher source than myself. I must believe. The temptation to drink for depression is here. But there lies death to whatever talent I have. No drink for me tonight.
​
Reread on July 7 1953. Now the tears do not come. I have had many disappointments since Feb 1950 - now in the happy Bromeswell hovel I still wait. I grow dauntless - with stupidity? - or by the unshakeable Belief that lives by small Earnests and is denied obvious sustenance. One must forgive the outward selfishness and lack of principle in people such as us. The fire within does not allow us honour in dealing with the world. Debt and hunger are poor things to principles. I know them both. I believe - lord I believe, help my unbelief.
​
1 April 1963 Sun and spring after a dreadful winter. I made this month Gainsborough's Sandground - 15 years. Now my touch is to be made strong.
We must jogg on and be content with the jingling of the bell.
So you consider my dear Maggotty Sir
While your numerous and polite acquaintance encourage you to talk, so clearly we shall have but few productions.
Red square toes
(illegible) for want of room I'll write again very soon.
Bath is a lovely place, not but London is above all French ornaments and gingerbread work.
one lady who is neat about the mouth
Snippets from an old letter? Archaic spellings. Seems to be from Gainsborough: the first line is cited in Landscape and Ideology: The English Rustic Tradition, 1740-1860, which can be found online by googling the line.
Next page, the above continued?
But I grow dauntless out of mere stupidity as I grow old.
As he who cannot be correct is apt to direct the eye with a little freedom of handling
You see I'm out of my subject already - but now I'm in again
Various notes on classical art, naturalism . . . .
March 1950 Notebook No.9
33 Gloucester Walk, Campden Hill W8
Mainly addresses (sitters?), plus 'exam questions' (still studying?), and ideas about paint and painting
The hardest part of any art is making it look easy
October 1950, No.19
1 Sydney Close SW3
​
Lot more commentary but very hard to decipher
Woodsmoke rising in a landscape, sheep around a tree, sunlight on the bole - these things I love.
October 31 - God help me, I've got it - the grand conception - but money (triple underlined)
I can't forget my need - and my need is to forget and concentrate (triple underlined) on work (double underlined)
God help me
Persist in your folly and become wise - be more uncompromising
It is not desirable and indeed impossible to go back. There will never be another Gainsborough. But when Titian took the (teachings? etchings?) of Leonardo - advantage of (hindsight?). Neither have I any fear that any young painter with the life in him will read this book as a means of learning to paint . . . .
G. B. Shaw died yesterday, Thursday Nov. 2 1950. He was kept in productive idleness all through his 20s by his mother and used the time to make himself into a man, not a slave. Wrote and took a mistress. Married an heiress at 42 after exchanges with Mrs Patrick Campbell. I worked as a slave in my 20s but with the saving grace that I travelled far and spoke to all men who were strange to me. Now in my 30s, I am idle but creative and kept by a (variety of expedients?). He was born at a '33' and lived off the Fulham Road, too. I will go on further. But I must live to be 104!
1 Nov. 1950 THE DREAM IS OVER I shan't paint this year - I've come too far too quickly AND not far enough or free enough.
Unnumbered Sketchbook, May 1951
1 Sydney Close SW3
Text all related to sketches, long sequence on the Chester Cycle of Miracle Plays
22 Jan. 1952 Notebook No.39
Hill Cottage, Bromswell, nr Woodbridge, Suffolk
The Great Power Struggle for Asia - in Asia is the problem of my day
But the subject worth a life story
The awakening of the conscience of man
OF WHICH THE ABOVE BE A PART
Notes on Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream, Swedenborg (ref. to symbolism)
Money is a drug. It is given to those who exchange their time and wit for a job
Jan.29 In the evening, after a days work in composition, I frequently drink in a bar where I am not too well known and fix my drawings with fingers of beer from the bottle.
Fitzgerald Desmond / Eloquent defended Bus driver Sampson at Old Bailey and made a hit aged 34 - M.C. in war / Wife daughter of E. V. Knox / fond of giving parties / is an author edits 'World Review' / has (teams?) of authors, poets & painters
Couldn't find any record of this in the Old Bailey on-line resource, but E.V. Knox was the editor of Punch and a poet, his daughter Penelope Fitzgerald (the novelist) married Desmond Fitzgerald, an Irish soldier, literary editor and barrister. Not much trace of him on the internet, but some details in the following articles: 1, 2, 3.
For the encouragement of other 'delayed' personalities. I well remember in my twenties walking aimlessly amid the dross of Baubles at Fortnum & Mason etc (it would be about 1937) knowing inside me that I had a gift and mission - but utterly ignorant of what it was - and so wasting my time by assessing Fairisle jumpers (two other products illegible) and feeling miserable for lack of direction
Met a large handed cadaverous family man in a pub in Church St. Kensington where I changed a five - he started by telling me that at the dogs fivers were commonplace, and over many beers, we went on to discover that each of our fathers had been master confectioners and chefs. Discussed the merits of patisserie chefs and sauce chefs - how each made a banquet by providing food for different palates and how each knew a part of that great Reality which we fortunate well met mortals were a part.
Sawyer family (cont)
Directory of Bromley 1863
Chas Sawyer miller and baker - my father's father
Then refers to Charles Darwin's work at that time
Later several pages of notes about genealogical researches, mainly unproductive
Went to join the navy.
They said, Can you swim?
I said, What's the matter, ain't you got any boats?
June 18th 1952 unnumbered
Hill House (sic), Bromswell, nr Woodbridge, Suffolk
Time, distance, geography do not affect composition of a picture. I give all, let fancy of invention roam the world of the mind fully.
Don't try to bluff the countryman.
Beautiful little pond by Harris Barn? Bramford side of Ipswich railway station by line
For a fabulous style of letter writing read Ed; Fitzgerald of (Bridge?)
Draft letter about buying a property as pied a terre.
Bramford Church by Ipswich is glorious
Travelled to London on a Sunday. Discussion with a Boy who remarked that the rly track outside Ipswich appeared as if it might harbour dragons.
Country wit is sly - when I sold my truck at Stowmarket auction -broke to the wide as usual and after hearing that paying out was delayed- I asked the foreman about speeding it up. He said, "Wait a while. You don't know if you need it yet, do ye" - with a smile.
Such a long, long winter and the (past?) only broke yesterday after the war episode. God bless us barmy bastards.
Ref. to the line from King Lear? "Now, gods, stand up for bastards!"
4 Aug 52 At a Chinese party in Parliament Hill Fields today, I learnt that a 'Banner' inscription in ancient Chinese characters (which seem to me more like Aztec) was an involved Chinese form of word pun or couplet. The right hand column to the Chinese is the top and the left the bottom. Each of such words is two lines. Each line of seven characters or ideographs. The first, in the 'top' column is a proper noun. Thus Wushis - a town. This town's name means 'no tin'. So already a double meaning. The second character may be - 'By the shish mountain'. The word 'shish' being the mountain's name means 'tin'. So each ideograph having change as a part of speech - proper noun, descriptive noun, reference to matter etc. And each meaning is a sort of double entendre within itself. Thus the right hand column or top line. But also the column is mirrored by the left hand or bottom line. Again seven characters each having a meaning as in the other. But now moving a (bond?) a link with its opposite to make a third opposite meaning - which can only exist when both ideographs considered together. To understand the fineness of my Chinese friends minds, I remember that this inscription engrossed them for an hour or more. They discussed the calligraphy and found its ancient double entendres absorbing. Chinese friends in London in 1952!
Several sketches in pen and ink, unusual medium for Graham. Most of his sketches are pencil.
Maurice Bowra, Warden of Wadham and Vice Chancellor of University of Oxford, on receiving a portrait (by Lynton Lamb) which made his weight apparent. The painter presents a mere appearance existing only in space and time. He may have caught me in space, but, alas, not in time!
​
​
It is not necessary to go to Rome to know that the Vatican is there.
As I have brought you as far as this, you should understand me. This line added above the following as an afterthought. Technical stuff in this book maybe more about majolica.
This it appears to me is all that it is possible to say concerning majolica, as well as of the colours and arrangements and shades of this art. I therefore intend to make an end to this my second book. In the (something) of last book I will speak as bluntly as possible all that remains to be said.
Next and last page . . .
You can find as many pictures as you like worth 25 pounds. But find one worth 250 pounds - that takes some doing. (Talk to a fish).
July 1952 Unnumbered
33 Gloucester Walk, Kensington W8.
Two pages of quotes from Hogarth's 'Analysis of Beauty', G's own observations on colour and tone
A nursing orderly took without permission a motorcycle from a neighbour's garden and rode at high speed through Richmond streets until he was killed
Narrative analogy
January 18 1671 John Evelyn in his diary. "This day I first acquainted his majesty with Grinley Gibbons who I first met by meere accident in a poor, solitary, thatched cottage. G then aged 23. G explained he had retired here so that he could work without interruption."
Chas II later received Gibbon. Later master carver in wood to Geo I.
​
When I am sufficiently known to attract visitors, keep a Red Book for the praising kind and a Black Book for the damning. Ask them to sign with commentary. The rest of the world is the don't knows. The most appealing ones.
Some sketchy notes on places in Cornwall.
About the time in my life that it became worthwhile to write with my right hand, I became a scholar and the glimmering of a tranquil mind came in sight.
You don't want that stuff. Diamonds would only cheapen you. He to she.
Couple of pages calculating money, rent etc (not v. clear), first page headed with the name Susan, then repeats the diamonds line in slightly different form. Later two pages summarizing what to check prior to leasing a studio. Notes books to buy by Auden and Louis McNeice.
1953 Green backed sketchbook
Extended notes on the future of Christianity headlined Inge 'England' 1953 probably the theologian William Inge
Several pages practising (?) his initialled signature with the date incorporated into the signature.
Three pages of Apples to plant 1954 with details of the qualities of each apple
Two page screed, very small very faint handwriting, seems to be contrasting America and England (in favour of the latter!) after a controversial story of Eileen Travis (no trace of her on the internet) ridiculing England. Apparently written by a certain Eliz. Jo Wasley, 21 Poulton Sq. Chel. SW3. Not Graham's hand.
3 December 1957 Black sketchbook
Hill Cottage, Bromeswell, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Includes loose papers of draft intro' for the Formulary
The ethics of business is that the reward for work should be sufficient to make its continuing pleasant, and well within ones physical and mental limits.
Sketch of Dulcie
Paris. Metro stop 'Odeon' 'Cafe Danton' for coffee opposite 'Le Petite (sic) (Source?)' meals -or on the side of it in the passage- the 'Cafe Jean' potage pilaf yoghurt
200 yards from Odeon ask for Libraire Franklin Roosevelt
2 lovers call. And have you had supper? 'No' from him. 'O yes I have' from her. Masses of coiled dark hair, big eyes and lush mouth and a little (child?) voice. 'I have'. 'What?' 'O I had a nut, some grapes, and a chocolate'.
Story by Degas. Revolution 1848. Men sniping soldiers. In excitement, onlooker took gun from one. Seemed poor marksmen. Aimed, brought down a soldier, then handed back. Owner motioned, seeming to say go on, you're a better shot than I. But the stranger said, "No, I'm not interested in politics".
Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell. Has account of metaphysical argument for God's existence and Russell's belief that advocation of elim: of fear most imp. "all exists now to make universal Happiness" cf Maeterlink Blue Bird and the picture A Way to the Blue Bird
May 1963 Rowney Sketchpad
Back cover: Sausages, kidneys, bacon, sirloin
Lists several pictures with what maybe dimensions, among them Green and Red Painting 24 x 20 called 'The Hen'. Perhaps 'Pastel bird on wood'?
Also of interest, the following:
Green Blue Black on white 60/20 rising, down to evil or upwards, down is death-past
White on White 18/31 July 63 Bird rising, carrying light, tree, (pa--?)
Sketch of musical instruments: The music is made as soon as you listen
April 1964 Sketchbook
Blackbird Studio, Framlingham
Notes about music, including:
Malcolm Arnold, discovered April 1964, homage to Django Reinhardt in a suite. The language reached me and made me notice.
As I listen to Meistersinger Prelude, an awakening or greater awareness of what Wagner can give grows - I have never before (except once at Sadlers Wells) been very greatly moved by W
Art education is grappling with a visually insensitive people. We need a new kind of adult intolerant of ugliness, curious about form and colour. All adults.
So examine all school leavers. Judge the training in school on this. It means new examining methods. Those that can may do - but the rest must also show at school leaving their awareness - what measure of humility towards form and colour do they posses as a result of 5 years art? You won't find it by (correcting/collecting?) their output. Study of them face to face with unexpected visual experience will.
This the first draft of his argument. Refined through two revisions.
Photo of a woman and small boy on a Mediterranean beach: Pamela and Rupert. La Herradura August 1971.
Pencil sketch mapping the Window View series of paintings in the Gallery:
Catalogue of music he has on tape
March 1965 (Studio Book 3 for 1965)
A trembling, hushed, introspective mood. Unplanned attacks on my Eve in the big composition.
The Morandi entry - 18th May 1965
Elsewhere suggests researches started in 1949 and took 11 years, but here: Beethoven opus 111 C minor Sonata 25. The agonies, floating prayer spirit, freed, outpoured and offered the last Arietta movt flood my mind as -16 years after beginning the search - I put down (two formulas) on canvas for 1st time. This book seems important to conclusions about pigments, lots of frenzied notes and exclamation marks.
These 3 days 4-7 June 1965 have been spent in Fram: locked in. The output - 3 still lives - a "Morandi" / a very prosaic one / an experimental one
Now I listen to Stephen Bishop play Mozart P. concto 21 cmay K467
7 June 65 / Haydn Symphony 56 C major / What thoughts were in his head at this time? A man realizing much and liked by his position? At any rate Haydn saw deep and I think quite coldly and objectively / is Metaphysical a word here? / Know this mood of Haydn
Big letters across two pages: July end 1965! a search that began July 1949. The search must surely end here!
​
​
Draft foreword for publication of researches by C. Peerboom Loopsend (aged 54 in 1966). Gloriously named, but no internet record. G. met him first in 1949. His researches were into the painting techniques in the Low Countries and England in the 17th & 18th centuries.
Calendar of names, apparently portrait sitters, including a Sitwell (first name indecipherable, looks like 'Grace')
September 21st 1965 (added) but truth began Easter 68.
Blackbird Studio, Fore Street, Framlingham
Apologia. I never heard of a textbook by St. Paul "How to preach the Gospel" or a Freud "How to Psychoanalyse" or by Einstein a handbook on Relativity. No. They just did it. For me, I ask the reader to accept my 'Principles of Easel Painting'
Having said this - Need I say more? All right -
Rest of this book a summary of colour use. Not a research book, but for writing up results.
4 May 1968 Book 100
in Ipswich
Title page: a glorious May morning. This book made 19 years after the beginning of my search.
Some formulas and notes toward formulas.
