Humpback Bridge Over the Surrey Canal

Every so often I like to comment on a painting and explain something of the background and history. The painting I have chosen today is 'Humpback Bridge Over the Surry Canal', a sepia ink watercolour, painted in 1955.

The Surrey Canal stretched all the way from the Thames through Peckham and into Camberwell, sadly it has been largely eradicated by development.  My view shows a busy scene with goods coming and going by the canalside. On the left is a conversation between a loophole man and a drayman. My grandfather worked in the 1940's and 50's on wharves similar to this, though this particular scene is part memory and part imagination. In this period horse and carts were more used than vans. The generous amounts of horse dung were collected by keen gardeners in a post war era where very little went to waste. In the background 2 cranes are ready to move cargo from the small craft to and from the wharves.

Giclée prints are available at £15, A4 size plus postage and £25, A3 size plus postage.

The Blackheath Art Society

The Blackheath Art Society, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London is always looking for new members. We are a diverse range of artists working across a range of disciplines; digital art, jewellery, textiles, ceramics alongside contemporary and traditional fine art painters. We hold annual exhibitions, visits and sketching trips. Joining the Society is a great way to become active in promoting your work alongside that of a community of artists in a variety of venues. Membership is very competitive at £14 pa for full membership and £10 pa for students, unwaged and seniors. Please visit our website to find out more about our members and what we do and how to join.

Some of our members amazing work;

Jonathan Cowell

Althea Battams

Ann Hillary

Bet Mishra

Caroline Mayo

Cristiana Angeini

Deirdre Ellis

 Irene Butcher

Kathy Drake

Margaret Dinkledein

Monica Larkin

Sally Robson

Sarah Hyde

Sue Taylor

Trevor Root

Alice Gur-Arie

Andrew Howard

Angele Joneliene

Pene Cairns

Terry Vaughan

Wishing You...

A Very Happy Peaceful Christmas and Very Best Wishes for 2020.

Detail from 'Paradise Found'.

Last Chance to See....Ends 24th November 2019....

Please make some time in your busy schedules to come and view the work of some of the most talented artists and creatives. It is the last week of the Blackheath Art Society Autumn Show and it is a perfect opportunity to buy a truly unique gift for Christmas. We have prints, paintings, scarves, jewellery and ceramics. The prices are extraordinarily good and you will be amazed at what you can afford. The exhibition is free and set in the beautiful Old Royal Naval College, in the Upstairs Gallery at the Visitor Centre. Why not bring a friend make an afternoon of it and take advantage of the fantastic café / pub The Old Brewery for refreshments after!

Basia Burrough

Jane Young - silk scarves

Katherine Honey and Monica Larkin - jewellery and artwork

Sarah Hyde - ceramics

Sue Taylor - ceramic bowl             Andrew Howard - ceramic tiles

Jane Young

Jonathan Cowell

Kathy Drake

Everything Stops for Tea!

The painting I am currently working on reflects my great love of tea! I wanted to create a still life composition akin to a shrine displaying the various brands, including Tetley, Red Label and P.G Tips.

Just off for a cup of tea....

Dick Lee 1923 - 2001

My daughter asked me about this small model I have in my studio. Dick Lee was a very talented colleague of mine at Camberwell School of Art and he frequently made models of tutors as gifts. This uncannily realistic model of me was made in the 1970's. I had just bought some glass from Peckham Glass for a student project, hence the sheets of glass I am carrying. I saw many of his models over the years and they were full of carefully observed detail that related to the person and their interests, often in very creative compositions. It's been great fun having this model to keep me company all through the years! Sadly Dick died in 2001 but you can find out more about him from this obituary in The Guardian.

Thames Vistas - Bermondsey to Greenwich 30th September to 2nd November

This exhibition at West Greenwich Library shows a range of works in oil, watercolour and ink of working life on the Thames over many years...

Bert and James £950.

A range of A4 prints are also available as shown on the poster below;

The prints can be purchased directly from the library reception desk.

On Saturday 19th October there is a 'Meet the Artist' afternoon from 2.30 - 4.30pm. If you would like a print that is a larger size than A4 please pre-order it for collection then.
West Greenwich Library.