Terry Scales - Painter of the Working Thames
Terry Scales was born in Rotherhithe, South London, at that time a busy community of Thames Watermen and visiting sailors. This early background created a deep affection for London's River and the vigorous commercial activities that permeate a bustling port. Thames motives became a central part of his subject matter, but he also enjoys a wide variety of landscape scenes; the blackberry covered hedges of Shoreham in Kent being a particular favourite.
Fifty years ago he exhibited his first painting alongside David Bomberg at the age of 16, and since then has shown continuously in mixed shows with the English and Scottish Arts Council, The Royal Academy, English Heritage, The National Maritime Museum, The Royal Festival Hall, Whitechapel Gallery, Austin Desmond Fine Art and Michael Parkin amongst many others. In 2003 Terry had a solo exhibition entitled 'A Journey in Time 1949 -2003' details of which can be seen here; Guildhall Exhibition.
Terry has appeared in several recent T.V. documentaries on London artists and is listed in the following books; Dictionary of British Art, Vol. 6, by Francis Spalding, Camberwell school of Art, its Students and Teachers, by Geoff Hassell and David Beckman's, Contemporary Survey.
Commissions have included, Tate & Lyle, Scruttons PLC, The National Maritime Museum, the Civil Service and many private collectors.
From 2011 to 2021 Terry had the honour of being President of The Blackheath Art Society and now passes the reigns to more dynamic hands.
Terry is the author of several books
Terry is the author of several books
Visions of Greenwich Reach, A Homage to the Working Thames (from which the above drawing is taken). A revealing insight into 20 of the artist's major river paintings with extracts from his Thames Diaries.
Bermondsey Boys : colourful stories of love and trouble growing up in the "pre-fab generation".
Contact Me
Many of the works shown are available for sale. Limited edition prints are also available and commissions undertaken. For more information email terryscales.artist@outlook.com.
