Portrait of Ernest Marsh, ca. 1954

Ruskin Spear RA (1911 - 1990)

RA Collection: Art

Ernest (Ernie) March worked in a fish and chip shop in King Street, Hammersmith. He often sat for Ruskin Spear, who was said to have been fascinated by his 'wonky eyes'. Although this portrait is painted on canvas, Spear preferred to paint on board. He said that 'a paying sitter doesn't feel he is getting his money's worth unless he is portrayed on canvas! Its just a silly, traditional idea.' In this light Spear may have thought it more appropriate to present a Diploma work on canvas to the Royal Academy.