Philip Modiano – J.L. Petit: Britain’s Lost Pre-Impressionist

Lichfield Literature Festival 2023

A ‘forgotten master’ of the 19th century, John Louis Petit was brought up and lived most of his life in Lichfield, where he is buried. He was a well-known artist and architectural historian who produced some 10,000 paintings of buildings and landscapes: but these were never sold, and most were lost after his death in 1869. Over one hundred years later, his paintings were discovered in a building in Surrey once owned by his relations. In the 1980s and 1990s, the property’s new owners – who were not aware of the importance of this forgotten collection – took his paintings to local auctions, which in turn lead to the paintings being sold all around the world. Now, Philip Modiano has produced a compelling account of this remarkable artist and shines a light on his innovative works, which are comparable to some of the great masters such as Turner. 

Philip Modiano is a convenor/curator of the Petit Society and author of several books.

LFF Priority Booking Opens: Platinum/Founder/Millennium/Gold – 1st February | Silver/Bronze: 8th February
General Booking Opens: 15th February