PAUL MAZE

Paul Maze Biography

 

 

Paul Maze (1887-1979)

Despite his French roots, Paul Maze is best known for his quintessentially British subjects such as the Royal Guards, Henley Regatta and Ascot.

Maze was born at Le Havre, the son of Anglo-French parentage. His father was a collector and a friend of Dufy and Braque. Dufy would take Maze to the beach where they sketched together. At the age of twelve, Maze was sent to England to finish his education. He then worked for his father before devoting himself to art. During the First World War, Maze served with both the French and British Army. He later wrote 'A Frenchman in Khaki', documenting his experiences at war. It was in the trenches that he met Sir Winston Churchill. Maze taught Churchill drawing and painting techniques and the two men became great friends. Churchill wrote of Maze:

'His great knowledge of painting and draughtsmanship have enabled him to perfect his remarkable gift. With the fewest of stokes he can create and impression at once true and beautiful.'

Maze was also fortunate enough to have befriended a number of artists including Bonnard, Derain, de Segonzac and Vuillard. This artistic milieu helped to develop his art and it was particularly in pastel that he found his forte. In 1925 he was given his first solo exhibition at the Independent Gallery in London. His pictures hang in many major galleries including Tate Gallery, Fitzwilliam Museum and Glasgow Art Gallery as well as the Collection of HM The Queen Mother.