Keith Vaughan (1912–1977) was a self-taught artist who is particularly known for his tender depictions of the male form. Through his art he explored his own sexuality at a time when homosexuality was criminalised in England. The artist was able to create a unique aesthetic expression by meshing the practice of Braque, de Staël, and Cézanne.
In April 1965 Vaughan visited Morocco with his doctor and friend Patrick Woodcock and their trip had a profound influence on his picture making. His subject matter changed dramatically after visiting the colourful, exotic markets in Marrakesh, Taroudant and Casablanca and then driving through the Atlas Mountains. On his return, acrobats, snake charmers, horsemen and camel drivers were added to his list of subjects. He joined the non-combatant corps during World War II where he continued his journal and made many poignant drawings and pen and ink works on paper of soldiers in their fatigues and relaxing as well as working or marching in difficult terrain. After the end of the War he became good friend with John Minton and Graham Sutherland, and together they represented the Neo-Romantic circle. Keith Vaughan taught in London at the Camberwell College of Arts, the Central School of Art, and the Slade School. His work is in the collection of the Tate Gallery, London, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, among others. In 1977 following a diagnosis of incurable cancer two years previously, he took his own life.