Robert Graves in his cottage at Churston, Devon 1941

This is Bill Brandt's photographic portrait of Robert Graves in his cottage in Churston, Devon. Brandt, a British photographer known for his stark, contrasty style, captures Graves, the celebrated poet and novelist, amidst his writerly milieu. Brandt's lens offers us a glimpse into the life of a writer deeply immersed in his craft. Graves, caught in a moment of contemplation, holds a pen to his mouth while surrounded by the tools of his trade: paper, books, and a lit cigarette. As a modernist, Graves questioned traditional values after experiencing the trauma of World War I, and sought solace in a mythical past. Brandt echoes this sentiment through his use of light and shadow, creating a sense of timelessness and intimacy within the frame. What we see is a man's quest for meaning and connection through words. It is an exploration of the artistic identity and the spaces where creativity takes root.