British Council British Council Visual Arts

Ceri Richards was influenced by the poetry of his friend Vernon Watkins.The themes and imagery explored by the poet in his work Music of Colours. White Blossom(1948) were reflected in Richards' paintings and graphic works.

In the churchyard the yew is neither green nor black.
I know nothing of Earth or colour until I know I lack
Original white, by which the ravishing bird looks wan.
The mound of dust is nearer, white of mute dust that dies
In the soundfall's great light, the music in the eyes
Transfiguring whiteness into shadows gone,
Utterly secret. I know you, black swan.