British painter and sculptor, Martin studied at the Sheffield School of Art (1921-23; 1927-29) and at the Royal College of Art in London (1929-32). His first works were essentially figurative but his true recognition as an artist came through a series of Abstract paintings in 1948-49. Between 1951 and 1967, he concentrated on renewing the tradition of moveable constructions by Aleksandr Rodchenko and Alexander Calder. His own constructions, at times static, at others moving naturally or mechanically, were more exacts and methodical than those previous examples. After the death of his wife in 1969, Martin focused exclusively on painting, beginning a series called Chance and Order, which he worked on over fifteen years. Martin had a central role in the process or renewing the Constructivist tradition in painting and sculpture and was a considerably influential figure in the development of the work of the later generation of British Constructivists. His important contribution to post war British art was acknowledged through the awarding of various prizes and honourable mentions.
