Scenes from Post-War London 1946 - 1960 exhibition

This is the last of my blogs relating to the 3 large paintings that will be on show at West Greenwich Library 9th May - 10th June 2017...

Detail from 'Before Canary Wharf' , oil on canvas, 28" x 37". £900.

Throughout the 50's and 60's the City of London spread itself serenely with only St Paul's Dome being a lone focal point when viewed from the heights of Greenwich Park. Between the South and the North bank in spite of the river there seemed to be a continuity. All this radically changed when the dynamic tower of Canary Wharf thrust skyward, followed some years later by the construction of a new cubist city. I have made several paintings of this before and after spectacle. This particular work explores the lower reaches of Greenwich Park with just a few industrial chimneys in the middle distance. Originally painted in 1960 and called 'Looking West' I re-titled it 'Before Canary Wharf' as it had such a dramatic impact on the view. The image above is a detail from the larger work.  

Not in the exhibition but by way of illustrating the contrast is this view...

Modern City Ancient Shore , oil on canvas.

Initially I was against the notion of a skyscraper opposite the Royal Naval College but when it was built I was fascinated by the way it changed colour and responded to the light of day. 

More information about the exhibition here and here and by scrolling down below!

Scenes from Post-War London. The Early Paintings of Terry Scales.

9th May - 10th June.

West Greenwich Library, 146 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN.

Opening times;
Monday: 2pm to 7pm
Tuesday: 9am to 5.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9am to 7pm
Friday: 2pm to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed

Date of artist talk; 9th June 3 - 4 pm, free.