Marie-Louise von Motesiczky

Photograph of Marie-Louise von Motesiczky as a young woman wearing a hat, gloves and a polka-dot blouse [c.1920s] Presented by the Trustees of the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Trust, March 2012

Tate Britain

This free display covers the life and work of Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (including archives and artworks) alongside other émigrés who escaped Nazi Europe for the relative safety of Britain. It will trace Motesiczky’s family background in Vienna and her artistic beginnings, including her tutelage under Max Beckmann and her first exhibition successes. Her journey into exile, settling with her mother Henriette in Amersham, will be covered as well as her friendships with other émigrés such as Oskar Kokokschka, Marie Duras and Elias Canetti. Her membership of the Artists’ International Association, her first solo exhibition in London in 1944 and subsequent struggles to be recognised here will also feature with wall cases outlining the conducive and supportive artistic post-war environment of Hampstead leading to recognition in this country and in Austria.

In addition to material relating to Kokokschka the display will be augmented by archival items and works of art relating to other émigré artists such as Charlotte Bondy and Milein Cosman..

The display is supported by the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust.

A related Show and Tell event is being held on the 1 November