After the success of the record-breaking Lowry exhibition, Lakeside Arts Centre has just unveiled the first major exhibition of Edward Burra in over 25 years.

Burra (1905-1976) is one of the most individual British artists of the 20th century, creating a large body of memorable paintings during his lifetime.

Although he lived most of his life in Rye, Sussex, Burra travelled widely, and it is these trips that inspired much of his art. He was an observer, and spent a lot of time browsing flea-markets, cafes and pubs, where he met the hustlers, prostitutes and sailors that feature in his powerful and distinctive watercolours.

His affectionate depictions of 1930s’ Harlem and Boston nightlife led to him being described as “the best painter of the American Scene.”

He once described painting as “a sort of drug” and made it clear that he painted for himself. Other people liking his work was just a bonus.

A 1973 documentary on Burra, made by Carole and Peter Smith for the Arts Council of Great Britain, shows the eccentric Burra — crippled with arthritis — which makes his achievements even greater.

Burra is reluctant to talk about himself, asking the interviewer: “what is all this about personality?”

When asked does he like some of his pictures more than others, Burra answers: “I suppose so.”

“Which?”

“I don’t know.”

“I enjoy painting,” Burra said simply. “And then, I get tired of it after that. I don’t particularly want to keep the painting. I never hang any paintings up, hardly ever. They’re all kept in piles.”

“Nobody bought them years ago… and then they were discovered and people bought them.”

He conceded that his later commercial success was “useful” as it allowed him to buy things.

Burra remained distinct from most mainstream art movements though he was a member of the British art group Unit One and the English Surrealist Group in the 1930s and a close friend of the artist Paul Nash.

Like Lowry, this exhibition draws on private collections, with some pieces having not been shown in public for many years.

Edward Burra, which opened on March 3, is a Pallant House Gallery touring exhibition, curated by Simon Martin. It has been sponsored by Lefevre Fine Art Ltd and is supported by the Pallant House Gallery Edward Burra Supporters’ Circle. It runs until Sunday 27 May at the Djanogly Art Gallery. Admission is free.

A new documentary: I Never Tell Anybody Anything: The Life and Work of Edward Burra, featuring Andrew Graham Dixon, will be screened on Wednesday 18 April at 7pm. The film visits Burra’s old haunts and features haunting footage of Burra in conversation.

A series of guided tours are available to complement the exhibition. Tours are free but places are limited. To book, please call the Box Office on (0115) 846 7777.

Main image: Edward Burra Harbour (detail). Smaller image: The Straw Man (detail)  © Estate of Edward Burra c/o Lefevre Fine Art Ltd.