Edward Burra: Tate Britain curator on ‘queer life, joy and desire’ in artist’s work ahead of major retrospective

Edward Burra Minuit Chanson 1931 (Image: Private Collection © The estate of Edward Burra, courtesy Lefevre Fine Art, London/Bridgeman Images)

A top art curator has reflected on the unique appeal to LGBTQ art lovers of Edward Burra ahead of an exhibition of the artist’s work at the Tate Britain next month.

Edward Burra – Ithell Colquhoun, which runs from 13 June–19 October 2025, will showcase Burra’s work alongside the works of fellow British great Ithell Colquhoun.

This will be the first retrospective of Burra’s work in London in 40 years. Burra, according to Tate reps, is renowned for his vibrant, satirical scenes of the uninhibited urban underworld and queer culture during the ‘Roaring Twenties.’

“Burra and his bohemian friends were ‘sailor mad”

Thomas Kennedy, Curator, Modern British Art, Tate Britain

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