Hornet with Wild Roses by British artist Tirzah Garwood at the Towner Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Along with Orchid Hunters in Brazil:

These two works were acquired for the Towner Collection in 1951. The following year Gar wood’s memorial exhibition was held at the Towner.

Hornet with Wild Roses holds an ominous atmosphere-its view of a post-war garden shows verdant greenery, honeysuckle and roses visited by insects; the oversized hornet flies defiantly up into a blue sky. Both works demonstrate Garwood’s wit and sense of humour and illustrate her curiosity and love of nature.

From Wikipedia:

Eileen Lucy “Tirzah” Garwood (11 April 1908 – 27 March 1951) was a British wood-engraver, painter, paper marbler, author, and a member of the Great Bardfield Artists.

According to Brighton & Hove Museums, Garwood “is one of the most original and distinctive figures of twentieth century British art.” Her work is known for depicting people, places and animals in domestic scenes “caught in a fleeting moment”. Her style is praised for its touches of humour and eccentricity.

Garwood was married to the artist Eric Ravilious. They collaborated on some projects together, most notably the mural at the Midland Hotel, Morecambe. Garwood’s autobiography was titled ‘Long Live Great Bardfield & Love to You All’.

During her time with the Great Bardfield Artists, Garwood worked with Charlotte Bawden in creating exquisite marbled papers, some of which are now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Towner Eastbourne, East Sussex
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Tirzah Garwood (1908–1951)
Date: 1950

Image Details
Date: 1 July 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 320
Licensing: Image of a Towner Eastbourne asset. This image cannot be licensed.