WILLIAM GEAR
William Gear was a pioneering force in post-war British abstraction, and one of the few British artists directly associated with the CoBrA movement. His work is defined by expressive colour, bold structure, and a commitment to modernist experimentation.
Biography & Background
Born in 1915, Gear became a leading figure within European avant-garde circles. His association with the CoBrA group positioned him within an international dialogue of spontaneous abstraction and expressive freedom. Later connected with the St Ives movement, Gear bridged continental and British modernism.
CoBrA & Modernism
As the only British member of CoBrA, Gear’s work absorbed the movement’s raw energy and psychological intensity. His compositions reflect gestural mark-making, vivid palettes, and a rejection of academic constraint.
Signature Approach
Gear’s abstraction balances structure with spontaneity. Strong geometry underpins expressive brushwork, creating compositions that feel both disciplined and dynamic. His work remains central to understanding post-war British abstraction.
Shop Available Pieces
Let’s Find The Right Work
We can advise on period, provenance, condition, and placement — particularly for collectors building a focused Modern British or post-war abstraction collection.