Love triangles: the hidden mechanisms of the independent group

It has been widely acknowledged that this inclusive, anti-hierarchical methodology sprang from the Independent Group’s shared enthusiasm for American popular culture, European modernism and thirst for success. What has received less attention to date, are the complex network of relationships which lay behind the Independent Group’s modus operandus. Conventionally monogamous relationships were certainly important to the group and the functioning of its social networks, but the approach of both/and rather than either/or also applied to some of their most important relationships. A prime example is that of the Hungarian painter, Magda Cordell, her musical producer husband, Frank Cordell and pop theorist and artist, John McHale. They lived harmoniously together in Cleveland Square, each with their own studio, coming together for meals and throwing memorable parties. This menage a trois endured throughout the 1950s, and only came to an amicable end when Magda and John left to work with Buckminster Fuller in America.

This is an author's manuscript made available with their permission.