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Magnus Irvin

Magnus Irvin (born London, 1952) studied at Hornsey and Walthamstow art colleges (1970-1974). Since leaving college he has had studios in East London, and for many years he produced murals, large-scale backdrops and scenery for theatres, rock concerts and films.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Irvin concentrated on printmaking, and produced large-scale, multi-coloured woodcuts and etchings. His practice has always incorporated drawing, and his activities have expanded in recent years to include performance, film-making, and kinetic sculpture.

In 1997, Irvin was Elected Fellow of Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, and in 2001 became a Founder member of the London Institute of ‘Pataphysics: he is the Secretary of Manifestations of the L.I.P. and Regent of the Painting Machine of the College de 'Pataphysique, Paris. [‘Pataphysics was invented by the French writer Alfred Jarry (1873-1907), and can be described as a ‘science of imaginary solutions’.]

Public collections holding Irvin’s work include the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Arts Council Collection.

A solo installation, Magnus Irvin: Drawings, prints, sketchbooks & animated cardboard works, was held at England & Co’s project space early in 2024.






Drawings & works on paper



Pataphysics is a Science - Details


Pataphysics is a Science
38 × 32.5 cm
Ink drawing

One Flagellation, Two Massacres and a Madonna - Details


One Flagellation, Two Massacres and a Madonna
148 × 97 cm
Ink drawing with sepia wash.
Private collection.

Ma + Pa Ubu - Details


Ma + Pa Ubu
Each 112 x 75 cm
Pair of charcoal drawings
Private collection