Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 55 works by Ruskin Spear in our catalogue
In short
The Curious Cat is the Ruskin Spear painting that draws the most eyes; the original belongs to the The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art, London. After it, the eye goes to In the Dope Shop of an RAF Mosquito Aircraft Factory (1943) and Director General Portrait – Sir Hugh Carlton Greene. Among the 55 works of Ruskin Spear in our catalog, these 53 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
The Curious Cat is a paper-based painting by the artist Ruskin Spear. This work exists as a quiet observation of a single, inquisitive moment. It captures a black and white cat in a state of stillness, its gaze fixed upon a vase of flowers. The scene rests upon a table, where scattered newspapers ground the subject in a sense of lived reality.
Director General Portrait – Sir Hugh Carlton Greene Sir Hugh Carlton Greene’s “Director General Portrait” stands as a testament to Ruskin Spear’s masterful ability to capture not just likeness but also the very essence of his subject—a portrait that transcends mere representation and delves into psychological nuance. Executed in oil on canvas around 1968, this artwork exemplifies Spear's signature style: meticulous observation blended with theatrical flair, reflecting a fascination with…
In the gentle stillness of Siesta, we are invited into a sanctuary of profound repose. Painted in 1938, this evocative work by Ruskin Spear transcends a mere depiction of sleep, offering instead a window into the very essence of domestic tranquility. The composition centers on a woman lost in the soft embrace of slumber, her form draped in a blanket that suggests both warmth and a protective cocoon from the…
China Clay Pits, St Austell1939
12
In the Dope Shop of a Mosquito Aircraft Factory1939
13
Portrait of Ida1940 · Jerwood Gallery
14
Mackerel1943
15
A Royal Ordnance Factory Explosion, Hereford1945
16
A London Street1945
17
Snow Scene1946
18
Woman in a Red Jumper1948 · Arts Council Collection
19
Still Life with Fish1948 · Laing Art Gallery
20
Spring Morning1947 · Government Art Collection
21
Mr Hollingbery's Canary1950
22
Park Scene1950 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery
23
Ernest Marsh1954
24
Hollingberry's Canary
25
Cherries and Pear
26
The Saloon BarReading Museum - Town Hall
27
Airgraphs on Drying Drums in the Dark Room
28
Winter Evening
29
Spring at Rottingdean, East Sussex
30
Sleeping Cat
31
Low TideGovernment Art Collection
32
Flowers on a PianoBritish Council Collection
33
Edward 'Teddy' Crisp Bullard (1907–1980)Department of Earth Sciences
34
Bernard Fergusson (1911–1980), Lord BallantraeThe Black Watch Castle - Museum
35
Approach to Hammersmith Bridge
36
Spring in HammersmithTowner
37
Hammersmith BridgeGovernment Art Collection
38
Director General Portrait – Charles CurranBbc England
39
Paul Cairn Vellacott, Master (1939–1954)Peterhouse
40
Tremodrett, CornwallGovernment Art Collection
41
John Moon, OBERoyal College of Art
42
Denis Richards (1910–2004), Principal of Morley CollegeMorley College
43
Modigliani Reproductions with Paper FlowersGovernment Art Collection
44
Sir Harold Wilson, Prime Minister (1964–1970 1974–1976)Jesus College
45
Joseph Forsyth Gimson (1896–1985), CBE, Managing Director of the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company
46
Sir Harold Wilson (1916–1995), Prime MinisterGovernment Art Collection
47
Dr Charles Ian Carr Bosanquet, Rector, King's College (1952–1963), Vice Chancellor, University of Newcastle upon Tyne (1963–1968)
48
Chimp and BabyRoyal College of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists
49
Interior with NudeUsher Gallery
50
Sir William Stewart Duke Elder (1898–1978), GCVO, MD, DSc, FACS, FRCS, FRCP, FRSInstitute of Ophthalmology
51
Sir John Dewhurst (1920–2007), President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1976–1978)Royal College of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists
52
Mr Hollingberry's Canary1950 · Herbert Art Gallery - Museum
53
Portrait of Mother1935 · Jerwood Gallery
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Ruskin Spear | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Government Art Collection |
London | 6 | Spring Morning, Low Tide, Hammersmith Bridge |
 The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art |
London | 3 | The Curious Cat, Ecstasy, Cat on a Roof |
 Bbc England |
London | 2 | Director General Portrait – Sir Hugh Carlton Greene, Director General Portrait – Charles Curran |
 Arts Council Collection |
London | 2 | Siesta, Woman in a Red Jumper |
 Jerwood Gallery |
Hastings | 2 | Portrait of Ida, Portrait of Mother |
 Royal College of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists |
London | 2 | Chimp and Baby, Sir John Dewhurst (1920–2007), President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1976–1978) |
 City Lit |
London | 1 | Dr James Tait (1912–1998), Principal, Northampton College of Advanced Technology (1957–1966) |
 Laing Art Gallery |
Newcastle upon Tyne | 1 | Still Life with Fish |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
In the gentle stillness of Siesta, we are invited into a sanctuary of profound repose. Painted in 1938, this evocative work by Ruskin Spear transcends a mere depiction of sleep, offering instead a window into the very essence of domestic tranquility. The composition centers on a woman lost in the soft embrace of slumber, her form draped in a blanket that suggests both warmth and a protective cocoon from the…
The Curious Cat, The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art, London. In the Dope Shop of an RAF Mosquito Aircraft Factory (1943) and Director General Portrait – Sir Hugh Carlton Greene come next.
The Curious Cat, In the Dope Shop of an RAF Mosquito Aircraft Factory, Director General Portrait – Sir Hugh Carlton Greene, Ecstasy, The Blackout, December Afternoon, Siesta, Children in the Snow, Cat on a Roof and Dr James Tait (1912–1998), Principal, Northampton College of Advanced Technology (1957–1966). The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 55 works by Ruskin Spear, dated from 1935 to 1954.
Mostly in Government Art Collection (London), The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art (London) and Bbc England (London). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1940s: 11 of the 53 works on this page were made then, In the Dope Shop of an RAF Mosquito Aircraft Factory among them.
On this page, the earliest is Portrait of Mother (1935) and the latest Ernest Marsh (1954).
Portrait (5), Darkness (2) and Formal (2), across the 53 works on this page.
Contemporary realism and Impressionism, judging by the originals on this page.
Spring Morning, Low Tide and Hammersmith Bridge: the Government Art Collection, London holds 6 of the works on this page.
Roger Ruskin Spear (1943-1990) wasn’t merely an artist; he was a conjurer of experiences, a delightfully eccentric inventor of sound and form. Born into a family steeped in artistic rebellion – his father, Ruskin Spear CBE RA, was a celebrated portrait painter known for his satirical observations of London life – Roger inherited a legacy of playful subversion and a deep fascination with the mechanics of both art and reality. His career, spanning decades and encompassing music, sculpture, performance, and design, defies easy categorization, revealing a restless spirit constantly pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
Spear’s early life was shaped by a physical challenge: contracted polio at the age of two, he navigated the world with a wheelchair. This experience profoundly influenced his artistic vision, imbuing his work with a sense of observation rooted in the everyday, often exploring themes of limitation and adaptation. He attended Brook Green School for the “Physically Defective,” an institution that fostered both creativity and a unique perspective on society. His formal training at the Hammersmith School of Art and later the Royal College of Art provided him with technical skills, but it was his father’s influence – particularly the Camden Town Group's embrace of urban realism and social commentary – that truly ignited his artistic fire.
Spear’s career gained significant momentum with his involvement in the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, a satirical musical collective known for its irreverent humor and theatrical performances. Joining the band in 1964 after dissolving his own jazz ensemble, “New Jungle Orchestra,” he quickly became an integral part of their sound and visual identity. Spear’s contributions extended beyond songwriting; he was responsible for much of the band's distinctive stage presence, including elaborate costumes, robotic creations, and a penchant for theatrical absurdity. Songs like "Shirt," "Tubas in the Moonlight," and “Trouser Press” became iconic examples of the band’s witty and often surreal lyrics.
However, Spear’s artistic ambitions extended far beyond the confines of the Bonzos. He was a prolific inventor, creating bizarre contraptions – most famously the “Theremin Leg,” a robotic appendage controlled by a theremin – that appeared in performances and recordings. This fascination with mechanics and automation permeated his work, leading to projects like "Noises for the Leg," a series of experimental soundscapes designed to be experienced through this unusual instrument. His exploration of robotics wasn’t simply about technological novelty; it was a way of questioning human interaction and exploring alternative forms of expression.
Following the Bonzos' dissolution, Spear continued to experiment with diverse media. He formed biGGrunt with Vivian Stanshall, a short-lived but influential band known for its dark humor and theatrical performances. He also took on solo projects, including “Roger Ruskin Spear and his Giant Kinetic Wardrobe,” a spectacular stage show featuring elaborate costumes, robotic figures, and orchestral music – a testament to his boundless imagination. This performance piece, often referred to as "Giant Orchestral Wardrobe," became a signature of his work, showcasing his ability to blend art, technology, and spectacle.
In the 1980s, Spear collaborated with Dave Glasson on “The Slightly Dangerous Brothers,” producing a single, “Let’s Talk Basic,” accompanied by a music video featuring his robot creations. He also participated in The Cut Price Comedy Show, a television program known for its corny sketches and ironic humor, demonstrating his versatility as a performer and collaborator.
Ruskin Spear's artistic legacy is one of playful innovation and unconventional vision. He wasn’t confined by traditional categories; he seamlessly blended music, sculpture, performance art, and design into a singular, often bewilderingly delightful, body of work. His exploration of robotics, his satirical wit, and his unique perspective on the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today. His influence can be seen in contemporary artists who embrace experimentation, challenge conventions, and seek to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences.
Spear’s paintings, particularly works like “Portrait of Mother” and “Mr Hollingberry's Canary,” reveal a subtle yet powerful narrative sensibility. His early training with Walter Sickert and the Camden Town Group informed his approach to portraiture, but he infused his work with a distinctive sense of humor and social commentary. His official war artist commission during World War II further solidified his place in British art history, documenting the everyday lives of Londoners amidst wartime austerity.
Ruskin Spear’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of creative freedom and the enduring appeal of artistic eccentricity. He remains a singular figure – a sculptor of sound, a conjurer of visions, and a champion of delightfully strange ideas.
