Wyndham Lewis, not quite forgotten

If you haven't heard of Wyndham Lewis, or not seen his work for a while, please take time out to acquaint yourself. This year is 50 years since he died and his old school put on an exhibition of his work. The following is a quote from Rugby School:

After primary schooling in Bedford and Ealing, Lewis entered Rugby School at the age of fourteen and appears to have enjoyed its tough, sporting ethos: 'Quite unlike most who write about their Public Schools . . . I am unable to say I had a disagreeable time.' Academically his time at the school was undistinguished, however, and he came bottom of his class of 28. Fifty years after his death, our culture still does not know what to make of the art and writing of one of the most talented, intelligent and vital of its twentieth century creators.

Hear, hear is what I say to their last comment. I have greatly admired Wyndham Lewis's work for years and have all of his books and two of his drawings. It is beyond my belief to see this year pass by and only his school has shown his work. Surely one of the public galleries should have recognised this great man who, work wise, stood head & shoulders above most of the others of his time. Look at the fine portraits. Stand back and gasp at the draftsmanship. Remember when all this was being done: almost a hundred years ago.

I refer to Lewis's art, but let's not forget his novels, poetry and polemics; as strident as his pencil on paper. Time, perhaps, for me to quote one of my poems from way back, that refers to WL, James Joyce, Eliot & Pound. It was published in CORE magazine:

Eye corners, eye corners

always eye corners.

Now, just as then, askance

at userers and usury.

Gone banker to right from drudgery

or bog eyed stupefier.

Just a botched civilisation

gone in the tooth

for a few Sunflowers let loose.

Where then, worse now,

and unCantoed.

A pound of this a pound of that

is just a pound of anything

and not a pound of Poundian.

So, as this year passes, let's remember the good guys, the good gals, the great dogs and the wonderful things to come. Christmas approaches and that brings joy to most people; so whoever you are, wherever you are: enjoy the moment and be in the moment. Always.