James Fitton RA

1899 - 1982

Fitton was a founder-member of the Artists' International Association, but also enough of an establishment figure to begin an association with the Royal Academy at a young age, principally because he supported its then-principal of allowing any artist to submit work to the Summer Exhibition without charge. Born in Oldham and growing up in relative poverty, Fitton developed a passion for drawing while recovering from a botched home operation, which left him deaf in one ear. He went on to study at Manchester School of Art with L S Lowry and Sam Rabin, later moving to the Central School in London. He worked at a printer, advertising and poster artist and by the 1930s was considered one of the country's leading artists. His friendships spanned much of the era of Modern British Art, and included Laura Knight, Augustus John, Henry Moore, Victor Pasmore, and John Minton. He was regularly on selection panels and participated in TV and radio interviews as a spokesman and commentator on contemporary art and exhibitions.