James Russell studied History at Pembroke College, Cambridge, but was galvanised into writing about art by a lengthy stint selling contemporary paintings and sculpture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A passionate advocate of twentieth-century British painting and design, he writes and lectures widely. His books include the popular four-volume series Ravilious in Pictures, which was described by Country Life as 'a vivid portrait of the artist', as well as titles devoted to Edward Seago, Peggy Angus and Paul Nash.