Cyril Mann sought to extend the boundaries of figurative art by painting the dynamic effects of sunlight bouncing off surfaces and taking his interpretation of light beyond those of his predecessors, J M W Turner and the Impressionists.

Mann's fierce, dazzling light strikes surfaces in constant movement and takes primacy over subject matter.

During the early 1950s, he briefly switched to doing formalised still life paintings in bright electric light, exploring what he called their "solid shadows".

CYRIL MANN HONOURED WITH COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE

Cyril Mann (1911-1980) will be honoured with a commemorative plaque to be placed at Bevin Court, Cruikshank Street, Islington, where he lived and produced many of his finest paintings between 1955 and 1963. It will probably be the first-ever commemorative plaque placed on a council block.

Mann follows in the footsteps of the celebrated Islington painter, Walter Sickert, who was similarly honoured last year with a plaque by Islington Council's Heritage Department.

Based on numbers of votes received, Cyril Mann was amongst the top three of 12 finalists in the Islington People's Plaques campaign 2012 and, therefore, qualified for a plaque.

For details of the winners and finalists, CLICK HERE.