Camden New Journal - Features: Milein Cosman

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Published: 17 April 2008

Workmen, Willow Road, Hampstead, 1965

Milein’s window on the world of workmen

THE pictures feature some of the most iconic names in arts and letters of the 20th century – alongside sketches and paintings of workmen digging up Hampstead roads.
A retrospective of the artist Milein Cosman’s work was unveiled at Burgh House, New End on Wednesday – and the breadth of her subject matter since she moved to Hampstead as a refugee in the 1930s can be found in the 61 images on display.
As well as studies of footballers, swimmers in Highgate ponds, Hampstead cemetery and a chef from a French restaurant in Church Row, her studies include the singer Paul Robeson, Edith Sitwell, Henry Moore and a young Iris Murdoch.
Cosman first moved to Hampstead from Germany at the tale end of the 1930s to flee fascism. From her new home in Belsize Park Gardens she headed to the Tube station in Haverstock Hill to shelter from the Blitz, but also to sketch her new neighbours as Nazi bombers roared over London.
The paintings were exhibited at the Austrian Cultural Institute before moving to Hampstead – although the curators, working in association with the Jewish Museum, have chosen paintings of people and places that have a resonance for the area.
Milein, recalling the workmen she sketched in Willow Road in 1965 (above), said: “It was a terribly, terribly cold winter that year and there was such huge snowfalls. I sat at my window and watched them work.
“I loved drawing labourers. I always thought it would be interesting to go down a mine and record what I saw. I had become known for drawing famous people but I have to admit that can be a real bore after a while. These workman had real movement and made great subjects.”

• Lifelong Impressions – Paintings, Prints and Drawings by Milein Cosman is at the Hampstead Museum, Burgh House, New End Square, NW3 until June 29. 020 7431 0144

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