Five émigré artists who greatly enriched Britain's intellectual and creative scenes

Despite the vitriol that these days surrounds the immigration debate, there is no doubt the intellectual and creative scene in Britain (and many other countries) has been enriched by the arrival of artists settling in from abroad, often fleeing persecution or oppressive regimes, but sometimes simply looking for opportunities or inspiration.

Shapero Rare Books, Shapero Modern and Willoughby Gerrish are putting the spotlight on the artistic contribution of émigrés past and present at Frieze Masters, with the exhibitions then moving to or continuing at their respective galleries (until October 31 for the first two and October 28–November 21 for the latter).

Here are five immigrant artists who changed the history of 20th-century art.

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)


(Image credit: Tony Vaccaro/G