They were an artistic power couple.
“In the Patio: Margaret Morris” captures the remarkable story of Margaret Morris, artist and influential innovator in modern dance and her partner, Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson.
I have read that Margaret founded the Margaret Morris Movement, Celtic Ballet, and two Scottish National Ballets in Glasgow (1947) and in Pitlochry (1960). She also created a system of movement notation, which was first published in 1928.
For more information on Margaret Morris and to view her paintings, head over to the ArtUK. For her thoughts on Dance, head over to the Margaret Morris Movement website.
‘Scottish Colourist’ John Duncan Fergusson is recognised as one of the most influential Scottish painters of the 20th century. Mostly self-taught, he moved to Paris in 1907, where he became a member of the Parisian art circles to which artists such as Matisse and Picasso also belonged. The outbreak of the First World War forced him to return to Britain, and by 1918 he was an established member of the art scene in Chelsea, London. In 1929 he went back to Paris for a further eleven years before moving to Glasgow, where he lived until his death. Like his friend S J Peploe, Fergusson’s early work was influenced by that of Whistler and the Glasgow Boys, but in France he came across Fauvism and adopted a similar style, using pure, bright colours and bold, rhythmic contours. National Galleries Scotland
ChasingART 
Fabulous! Margret is beautiful! The painting is sumptuous. Their story is inspiring.
Thank you, Rebecca, for this wonderful article and the way you look at the arts through history.
Enjoyed the video, big time! Her dances reminded me of Isadora Duncan, and then later Martha Graham. {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
What I loved about the Margaret/John duo is that they chose to be creative, to collaborate and learn from each other, to connect and build creative and empowered communities. They lived boldly and with enthusiasm. I am glad that you mentioned Martha Graham along with Isadora Duncan.
One of my favourite Martha Graham quotes, which always gives me goosebumps is:
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”
Martha Graham
LikeLike
How lovely and what an interesting piece of art history, Rebecca. I agree that this form of dance is very jolly indeed. It made me happy just watching the video.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can you imagine what it would have been like to live in Paris during the time of Morris/Fergusson?! A vibrant time of creativity. I am dancing with you, Sylvia, on my side of the world!!! Sending hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You find such interesting lesser known artists and you illuminate me. Thank you Rebecca.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I continue to learn and learn and learn, Cindy. I would have loved to meet up with Margaret and John at a Paris Cafe and hear them discuss their collaboration.
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard of the Margaret Morris Movement. I read the linked article, which I found fascinating. I wonder if Morris was influenced by Isadora Duncan at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very good question. I understand that (according to Wikipedia), in 1909, Margaret Morris met Raymond Duncan, the brother of Isadora Duncan. Raymond taught Margaret the six Classical Greek dance positions which she adapted and used them as the basis of her own system movement. I am reminded that we are all connected, that creativity flows through our lives, that what was created at one point, moves forward, long after the creator has passed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The dance movements in the video are very much reminiscent of Isadora Duncan’s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! A demonstration that we can be influence by others even though we will never meet or long after they have passed. What I think Margaret added was her writing on theory: breathing, teaching, painting, design and sculpture, and the list goes on. Duncan is known as “The Mother of Dance” and her legacy is prodigious. Regrettably, a tragic end brought an end too soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read a biography of Duncan years ago. The latter part of her life was sad before the decision that led to her death. But she did leave an important legacy behind for others to build on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, Liz. She left a lasting legacy, one that continues to be relevant today!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The colors and brush strokes are impressive in this painting. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for the comment, Colleen. What I found most interesting is how colour, movement, words, music are all connected. Creativity flows through us and when we join forces, the outcome of our efforts are spectacular. It gives me great comfort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so true… when they all come together just right the feeling sings in our soul. That’s a great way to look at it. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person