Bust of Dr Hewlett Johnson by Epstein

Acquisition of bronze head and shoulders bust of Dr Hewlett Johnson (1874-1966) by his friend the sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), a unique cast made in 1942. The Red Dean as he was known because of his fervent support for Soviet Communism, was a figure of national and international note, and of controversy. He first visited Russia in 1937 and shortly after published his book the Socialist Sixth of the World which was translated into 24 languages and ran to 22 editions. He received the Stalin prize in 1951, was a frequent speaker for the Left Book Club and chairman of the board of the Daily Worker. He was Dean at Canterbury for over 30 years which included the traumatic Blitz of the city during the World War.