Introduction

This introduction also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins with a work by Heinrich Campendonk, listed in the 1938 exhibition catalogue with the description 'Jumping Beast'. By researching the provenance histories of the 1938 exhibits, it provides a new and uniquely detailed analysis of the London exhibition of Twentieth Century German Art. The exhibition Twentieth Century German Art, staged at London's New Burlington Galleries from 7 July to 27 August 1938, stands to this day among the largest displays of German art ever shown in Britain. While showcasing German's artistic modernism, Twentieth Century German Art also provided the backdrop for a celebration of the country's broader cultural achievements. The book provides the key findings that have been drawn from the empirical research. It provides an insight into a particular sub-group within the lenders, and the distinct motivations for their loans.