Featured Artist: Neil Pinkett

12th July - 3rd August 2013

Pushing the Boundaries

6th June - 6th July 2013

Pushing the Boundaries looks at the materiality of paint as well as the aesthetics of the painting. Five artists come together whose practice explores the way in which paint is applied and worked on the canvas, the expression, the viscosity, layering and mark making. The resulting surface of the canvas becomes as important as the final image and the subject or genre which the artist is exploring.

Andrew George

Diana Matthews

Sally Stafford

Claire Wiltsher

Iryna Yermolova

Endré Röder: A Retrospective

3rd May - 1st June 2013

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Mapping an incredible career that has spanned cities, continents and decades, we celebrate 80 years of artistic endeavour and achievement by one of our favourite gallery artists.

Endré Roder

Featured Artist: Ruth Winding

5th April - 27th April 2013

Introducing artist Ruth Winding to the gallery. Ruth's panels are inspired by the Chinoiserie of the nineteenth century. They are rich with colour and detail not least of which is the luscious gold leaf background against which Ruth lays her intricately painted birds and trees.

Carl Payne's finely sculpted work draws inspiration from myth, iconography, fairy tale and the Romantic. Almost lyrical in nature, his bronze female forms seem to drift and float belying the solidity of their medium. Carl exhibits across the UK and internationally and his work is part of both private and public collections, most notably Banbury Council, Warwick and Leamington Spa Council, the Stanley Matthews Foundation and Cunards Cruise Ships.

Alongside Ruth and Carl we are exhibiting new works from Claire Wiltsher and Mike Bernard and introducing Stephen Yardley and David Porter to the gallery.

Ruth Winding

Carl Payne

Claire Wiltsher

Mike Bernard

Stephen Yardley

David Porter

Cherchez la Femme

9th March - 30th March 2013

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Two complementary artists are brought together to explore the sensuality and spirit of the female form. With a strong sense of line, Russian artist Iryna Yermolova creates a delicious tension in her work through her application of the paint whilst Sara Ingleby Mackenzie’s slim, elegant sculptures explore the vitality of the female character with gentle humour.

Iryna Yermolova

Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie

Small is Beautiful

6th December - 2nd March 2013

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With a strong bias towards unique ceramics, our mixed exhibition over December explores colour, shape and form over function. We introduce Elizabeth Rollins-Scott with her other-worldly ceramic and bronze figures and  prints, diminutive wall ceramics by Korean sculptor Myung Nam An, stoneware mythical creatures and the decorative by April Young and a new collection of richly coloured porcelain bowls by Peter Wills. Paul Lemmon returns to the gallery with paintings that explore bright, bold and daring new perspectives and we introduce paintings by three new artists Marissa Weatherhead, Michael Weller and Claire Wiltsher.

Malcolm Ashman

Paul Lemmon

Pippa Hill

Myung Nam An

Susan O'Byrne

Ros Perton

Elizabeth Rollins-Scott

Marissa Weatherhead

Michael Weller

Peter Wills

Claire Wiltshire

April Young

Neil Pinkett and Susan Leyland - Above & Beyond

9th November - 30th November 2012

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One of the most adventurous of British artists, Neil Pinkett takes plein air painting to new heights. Working at altitude from hot air balloons and helicopters, he captures familiar terrain from a daring new perspective. Consistently powerful and stirring, this is Pinkett at his best when pushed to his own physical limits. In this latest collection he conveys the beauty and diversity of our coast and cities through his trademark richly layered oils.

Susan Leyland is an equine sculptor of international acclaim. Her distinctive  ‘Horse Block’ sculptures are a timeless mix of classic and the contemporary sculpted in either fireclay and more recently bronze. These emotive works capture a gentle stillness, yet underlying power of these majestic animals – a wonderful tension of life form being anchored into the earth.

Neil Pinkett

Susan Leyland

October - Mixed Show

1st October - 3rd November 2012

Over October we have a rolling exhibition showing new works from our favourite gallery artists to include new paintings from Malcolm Ashman, Mike Bernard, Mike Hindle, Endré Roder and Sally Stafford with new ceramics from Ros Perton and Peter Wills. We also have new bronzes in from Dorothy Brook and are pleased to introduce a new animalier sculptor Pippa Hill to the gallery who works in both ceramic and bronze. Her bronze polar bears watch you from all angles, their eyes following you as you move around the room. They simply beg to be picked up and stroked, sitting in your hands with a familiarity and comfort that appears almost human. October's show will be constantly changing from week to week so please do drop into the gallery to have look.

Malcolm Ashman

Mike Bernard

Mike Hindle

Endré Roder

Sally Stafford

Dorothy Brook

Pippa Hill

Ros Perton

Ben Kelly and Marie Prett

7th September - 29th September 2012

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Bath Contemporary is proud to introduce to the South West a solo exhibition of recent works by rising talent, Ben Kelly. Looking at the passage of time through our interaction with landscape, Ben’s atmospheric scenes are characterised by shafts of light, which seem to fuse different points of time together questioning our experience of those moments and time itself. Winner of the very prestigious Football and the Fine Arts Prize, Ben has exhibited widely across the North of England including the Lowry Centre, City of Manchester Museum, National Football Museum and Cambridge University. Accompanying the exhibition are ceramics by Marie Kelly.

Ben Kelly

Marie Prett

Summer Exhibition

13th July - 1st September 2012

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A collection of paintings and ceramics to celebrate summer through the richness of landscape, wildlife and cafe culture.

This latest series of paintings by Mike Service focuses on views of Bath from its surrounding hills and valleys, a subject that Mike has been concentrating on for the last six months. Sally Stafford's new work includes her landscape paintings of meadows and forests as well as a preview of her latest series playing with the theme islands. Brian Dennington  captures  moments in time from our rich cafe culture and George Morgan examines the space around us with sensitivity and humour. Boo Mallinson and introducing Tessa Houghton, both artists experiment with the materiality of paint, abstracting the figurative with quiet elegance. 

We introduce ceramicists Anna Barlow and Susan O'Byrne - Anna provides a delicious palette of  ceramic ice creams, real enough to make you reach out and take one. Susan's  sea birds capture the essence of summer and our natural heritage.

Anna Barlow

Brian Dennington

Tessa Houghton

Boo Mallinson

George Morgan

Susan O'Byrne

Mike Service

Sally Stafford

Corinna Button: Paintings and Prints

16th June - 7th July 2012

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Marking the launch of original prints Bath Contemporary is proud to present a solo exhibition of work by British painter and print maker Corinna Button. Currently based in Chicago, Corinna completed her fine art education at Leeds before going on to post graduate studies in advanced print making in London. She exhibits internationally and has works in various public and private collections including the BBC, the University of Aberstwyth and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Corinna is an associate member of the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers.

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Avenue of Champions

22nd May - 5th June 2012

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Coinciding with the Olympic Torch coming to Bath on 22nd May 2012, Bath Contemporary launches a special preview of Ben's Olympic series 'Avenue of Champions', with new works in Bath stone and a special limited edition print run of his 2012 drawings in Indian ink. This body of work unites both Olympian and Paralympian in their spirit and quest for excellence in a unique series of life-size fragmented sculptures.   The full exhibition will then be on show at Salisbury Cathedral during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Olympian 2012 video

Ben Dearnley

Mixed Exhibition

2nd April - 30th April 2012

20th February - 8th March

Including latest works by Endre Roder, Malcolm Ashman RBA, ROI and Sally Stafford, alongside other gallery artists, sculptors and ceramicists.

City and Coast in Collage and Colour

10th March - 31st March 2012

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Featuring his latest compositions of bustling Italian towns and markets, serene Venetian canals and his favourite fishing harbours and coastal scenes of Cornwall. Mike’s paintings, in mixed media with collage, in his familiar style are accompanied by scenes of Bath in pen, ink and wash.

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Moments in Time

4th February - 18th February 2012

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A strong sense of familiarity with Clive's paintings is shared through the ambiguity of subject, time and place, which often strikes an emotional connection with its audience. First solo exhibition with Bath Contemporary runs 4th - 17th February 2012.

Moveable Feast: Small works

3rd January - 31st January 2012

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Throughout December and January we shall be showing new work by Sally Stafford, Malcolm Ashman, Paul Greenwood, Rick Kirby as well as introducing painters Edward Bell, John Brown RSW, Benedict Doonan, Emily Morgan, Pascale Reymond and Jackie Philip and ceramicist Ros Perton.

L’ Alliance

11th November - 26th November 2011

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L'Alliance

During the Bath Art Affair, Bath Contemporary is showing work by renowned Scottish artist Michael G. Clark focusing on the relationship between the artist, France and Scotland.

His paintings are a celebration of life linking the significant pleasures of everyday activities to their surroundings. This solo show of new paintings evoke memories of holidays in France and Michael’s ongoing love affair with Paris, combined with his passion for the moody skies and gentle landscapes of his native Scotland.

In addition Bath Contemporary continues to show work by established artists, sculptors and ceramicists alongside emerging new talent.

Autumn Mixed Exhibition

4th October - 10th November 2011

New paintings by Jane Cooper, Mike Service and Endre Roder, and introducing sculpture by Ben Dearnley alongside other gallery artists, sculptors and ceramicists. After unveiling his latest sculpture of of Oscar Pistorius as part of his series of Olympic athletes in Trafalgar Square, Ben, Official BT Olympic Artist for 2012, is showing a selection of sculptures in bronze and stone.

To the Edge

9th August - 30th September 2011

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We celebrate our relaunch as bath contemporary commencing with a solo exhibition of paintings by Cornish artist Neil Pinkett. 'To the Edge' begins 10th September.

This is a man who thinks nothing of traversing mountains, hanging out of helicopters and pushing his body to its limit via monumental cycling and canoeing trips, all in the name of art. But while Pinkett is undoubtedly one of the more physical of British artists, he is also one of the most sensitive.

Witness, for example, his latest body of work, created from travels in Snowdonia, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Scotland. The topography may vary, from summery beach scenes to the vastness of mountain ranges, but there is a common denominator. Each painting, layered with oils in Pinkett's Marazion studio from watercolour sketches made en plein air, is imbued with a subtle, enigmatic sense of tension, as if the landscape is at once benign and yet indifferent.

"I like to seek out places of solitude," says Pinkett, adding that often the experience of being "remote, as if in a lost world" engenders a curious feeling of sanctuary. Curious, because Pinkett's response is not as unilateral as that of Romanticism's embrace of the sublime. This exists, certainly, but it merges with a more modern sensibility, a Conradian grappling with the impassiveness of the landscape around him.

"My task is to make you hear, to make you feel - it is, before all, to make you see", wrote Conrad, a statement of intent that could as easily apply to Pinkett's oeuvre. Born in St Just, mainland Britain's most westerly town, in 1958, he is one of five children to a father who was a ship's radio officer and a mother who worked in a doctor's surgery. He enjoyed drawing from an early age, and quips that it - and painting - was "all I could ever do."

Pinkett's self-deprecation belies his mature, deft and nuanced handling of landscape. His work is impressionistic, in the way of some of Conrad's writing, but, again like Conrad (and, indeed, one of his key influences, Turner), consistently powerful and stirring. If two tiny, thinly delineated figures may appear at the foot of a mountain, they serve not merely to provide a sense of scale but also to convey man's fragility amid such overwhelming forces.

And yet, of course, the two figures are there, together, barely discernible but walking beneath the towering rock forms. Isolation is leavened; sanctuary is possible. Existential alienation is nevertheless infused with the sublime.

It is this - the blurring of opposing philosophies in his response to the landscape - that helps make Pinkett's work so distinctive, so alluring, so impressive. This, and the extraordinarily physical commitment to his art. As he says: "Some of the trips I made for the bigger canvases, among mountains, were very perilous. They took me to the edge."

For Neil Pinkett, the edge is always there, calling him. The rest of us can be glad that he makes his journeys there, to return with so finely judged, and yet impassioned, a response.

By Alex Wade, writer and regular contributor to, among others, The Times, The Guardian and The Times Literary Supplement.

Forests, Meadows and Dreams

2nd July - 18th July 2011

Introducing the work of two artists new to the gallery, whose work is strongly influenced and inspired by the landscape surrounding each painter, with refreshing and contrasting approaches.

Sally Stafford
‘Painter of forests, meadows and dreams'

This collection reveals the true spiritual heart of an artist, whose inspiration comes from the ancient woodlands and meadows near her home. Her paintings are aptly described as ‘a place to rest your soul before the next step on its journey'. The viewer is invited to lose themselves in the intricate and abstract qualities of the paintings - step back and one sees a forest or meadow, move closer and the work is cleverly non-representational.

Sally works in a unique style she describes as "less realistic, more real" and developed on her travels to the east - capturing Balinese flower offerings in kaleidoscopic colour, and allowing raindrops to blend paint on canvas and leave their mark. She outlines with charcoal from local forests (the forest literally ‘grounds' the paintings), and works flat on the floor applying layers of water, mixed media and gold leaf from above. The finished visual experience is multi layered, rich in colour and texture, with a clear dimension to the natural world.

Sally has been widely exhibited throughout the UK, Portugal, Australia and Bali.

Lorraine Gerry

Lorraine Gerry studied art and design at Sydney College of Art before moving to the Cotswolds where she now lives and works. She is inspired by the undulating landscape and ever changing colours both at home and wherever she finds herself. Lorraine's work evokes a sense of energy, of light and subtlety of colour allowing the observer to experience sensations of wild and natural beauty and freedom, peacefulness and a sense of calm.

Portofino to Port Isaac - An Exploration of Coastal Towns

7th May - 20th May 2011

Mike Bernard’s distinctive style makes him one of the country’s most respected contemporary landscape painters, for which he has won many prestigious awards. Born in 1957, he trained at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, followed by postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools. He has exhibited widely in London and throughout the UK, including the Royal Institute of Painters - where he was elected a member in 1997 – the Mall Galleries, the Royal Academy Summer Show and leading galleries nationwide.

For this most recent collection Mike’s inspiration is from recent travels in his beloved Italy and the South West coast of England, from which he draws many parallels. The paintings are quite literally ‘steeped’ in history, capturing scenes with a timeless quality. Painting almost exclusively in mixed media, combining collage, acrylics and pastel, he initially creates multi-layered ‘textural happy accidents’. From this point he selectively adds details or rejects elements, but always leaves the integrity of the view intact “retaining a semi-abstract, impressionistic feel, inviting the viewer’s imagination”.

Mike’s trademarks are his bold use of colour, fine detail and clever deployment of collage, combined with a keen eye for perspective. These qualities have earned him a loyal following of collectors nationwide and many awards including the Lanseer Prize, British Institute Prize (both Royal Academy), and the Ranelagh Press Award RI.

All That We Are

23rd March - 8th April 2011

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Inspired by our desire to understand who we are, we showcase an exciting mix of paintings, fashion photography, and sculpture. Introducing London artist Paul Lemmon whose large-scale seductive canvases capture the colour and culture of city life with a cinematic dynamism. Accompanied by Richard Twose whose edgy yet ethereal paintings are inspired by his successful career in the fashion industry. Brian Denington brings his vibrant and dynamic oil studies of the female figure. Anouk Mercier has been exploring fantastical landscapes encorporating imagery from period etchings and modern fashion iconography. Guest fashion photographer Marko Dutka joins us from 23rd to 27th March with his latest collection, referencing past and present influences. A larger 3D perspective is provided by new sculptures from Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie and Rick Kirby. Expect a few surprises!

To see all works in the exhibition click on 'Artists' or 'Sculptors' (above) and go to the relevant pages for Paul Lemmon, Brian Denington, Richard Twose, Anouk Mercier and Rick Kirby and Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie.

Bath In Fashion

23rd March - 27th March 2011

This intimate exhibition by Marko Dutka, specially for Bath in Fashion, breaks any boundaries between photography and fine art. For Marko, the lens is as effective a means of capturing the play of light on his subject as a painter would find a brush and palette.

The show coincides with the gallery's exhibition 'All That We Are' - introducing new painters Paul Lemmon, Richard Twose and Brian Denington as well as breath-taking scupltures from Rick Kirby and Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie. Expect a few surprises!

Window to the Soul

12th November - 4th December 2010

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We are proud to celebrate the most talented artists in the West of England. This beautiful and diverse exhibition includes new paintings, ceramics and bronzes that capture the spirit of the artist. Works range from the figurative to abstract, from ethereal landscapes to evocative and tantalising female form.

Many of the artists featured have reached the height of their profession and between them have been awarded some of the countries top prizes. They all have one thing in common, a real passion for their subject, a passion that shines through in every piece we show.

Introducing:
David Brayne RWS, Emma Williams, Tom Elliottand Carl Payne, sculptor

And new works from:
Paul Brason PPRP RWA, Neil Pinkett, Malcolm Ashman RBA ROI, Paul Greenwood, Endre Roder, Lar Cann SWAc, ceramacist Peter Wills and sculptors’ Ian Edwards, Dorothy Brook and Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie

Please visit our website www.bathfineart.com for further details and images of new works to be launched at the show.

In association with the Bath Art Affair

Life, Love and Fashion

4th September - 18th September 2010

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From September 4th – 18th we will be showcasing new, limited edition bronzes by wildlife sculptor Ian Edwards and figurative sculptor Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie. Also, introducing the works of South West artist Mike Hindle, whose evocative twilight beach scenes contrast brilliantly with his bright and beautiful abstracts. To see each individual artist’s full collection and to find out more, click on Artists or Sculptors and follow the links.

From Sand to Sandstone

3rd July - 23rd July 2010

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From the serene shores of Treen Beach, to one of the world's most famous landmarks, "From Sand to Sandstone" introduces new paintings by Cornish artist Neil Pinkett, encapsulating the splendour of Cornwall and Bath.

Undoubtedly one of the gallery's most popular artist's, Neil's paintings seem to deliver a serene energy that strikes an inspiring note. His work is very recognisable and rarely stays on our walls for long, as his landscapes capture with ease and freshness, so many beautiful places within the South West.

"I have lived in Cornwall most of my life and exposure to such a dramatic environment has inspired me to paint."

Many aspects of Neil's work make it so appealing, but three in particular are mentioned time and time again: the relaxed nature of his technique, Neil's ability to intuitively capture the light of his surroundings, and the agreeable rugged textures that add movement and dimension.

"I work with a knife as I want to express as forcefully as I can, the forces of nature, the ever-changing elements, cloud formations, piercing blue skies over acres of red bracken, the raw beauty of the landscape."

"I think one of the most noticeable things about my pictures is the weight of paint. A lot of the time now I paint up canvasses with quite heavy paint, usually in ochres and oranges, several weeks in advance. The ready made texture of that first application makes the rest of the painting on the one hand more difficult, but on the other potentially more rewarding giving scope for happy accidents and less obvious marks."

His work has been exhibited at a large number of venues throughout the UK and has also toured across the United States.  This show promises to be a real summer treat for Bath, and art enthusiasts.

True to Form

14th May - 30th May 2010

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The show will exhibit 30 acrylic paintings, a distinctive medium used by the artist, allowing him to explore different ideas, colour palettes and perspectives.  We expect this varied body of work to be of particular interest to collectors and Endre Roder devotees, as well as a delightful introduction to Roder's intoxicating work.

This exhibition will also introduce ceramicist Peter Wills. Peter has been working as a successful potter since 1989, with his work being widely exhibited in the UK and abroad including Japan, Europe and Dubai. With 18 solo exhibitions to date, and commissions that include The Princess of Wales Hospital, and HM Government for bowls to be presented to visiting European Heads of State.  Peter's current work is almost exclusively one off pieces, mainly bowls and vases, crafted from a blend of English and French Limoges porcelain. He constantly experiments with new glazes, reflected in the amazing effects and colours he achieves in this striking collection.