Clifford Fishwick: Self Portrait (detail)

Clifford Fishwick: Orb 11

Michael Garton: Stoke Woods Top Car Park

At first sight the paintings of Clifford Fishwick and Michael Garton seem totally dissimilar, but both stem initially from the analytical and non topographical approach of Cezanne.

Michael Garton RWA: Autumn Trees

Both men were based in Devon, Cliff in Topsham, Mike in Exeter. Both were men of the outdoors and their work was often inspired by the local landscape. Cliff with his sailing and climbing painted the estuary and the moors, Mike painted a variety of land and seascapes and finally for his ‘woodscapes’ turned part of Stoke Woods into his ‘studio’.

See more on the Current page.

See also THE ART ROOM Blog for further news and opinions about art.

When Mike became Cliff’s student in 1955 the Art College occupied a small part of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. By the time Cliff, then the College’s Principal, appointed Mike as a lecturer Cliff had started the process of change which would result in the College expanding to become a major cultural force in the city and the South West.

The two men had enormous respect and affection for each other and exhibited together in many group shows and had a two man show at the Greenwich Theatre Gallery. Their work can be found in private and public collections throughout the world.

Michael Garton RWA: Autumn Woodland 4

This exhibition is particularly significant to Exeter because of the legacy these two artists left the City. Between 1958 and 1984 Clifford was Principal of Exeter College of Art and under his leadership the College became one of the first outside London to receive validation for the new Dip AD course which was introduced as a result of the Coldstream Report in 1960.

All Exhibitions are at our new gallery at 76 Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HQ.

Please phone 01392 877 737 with any queries.

The defining exhibition for this leading British narritive painter.

A site-specific work in two parts:
The Fable Wall: 28 oil panels hung in three tiers based on Aesops Fables.
Together with 18 paintings entitiled 'How to Live a Good Life'.

Zoe Cameron: Don't carry regrets from the past

See more on the Preview page.

Zoe Cameron: Out of the frying pan into the fire

Robin Rae was born in London in 1928; he studied at Ealing School of Art and the Royal College where he was helped by John Nash, Rodrigo Moynihan and Edward Bawden. Francis Bacon stalked the corridors and was a highly influential presence.

Rae has always been interested in the ordinary person, factory workers and bleak urban environments.

Although Rae's work is edgy and sometimes brooding it is always poetic. He is a master of the atmospheric painting. In 2008 Rae celebrated his 80th year with a retrospective exhibition. His work can be found in many private and public collections throughout Britain and the USA. Of particular note is the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Nicholas Papazaneteaus

Nicholas Papazaneteaus: 5-1

Superb abstract landscapes and seascapes by Royal College artist and winner of the South West Academy's 'most exciting' painting prize.

Nicholas Papazaneteaus: 7-1

Next year THE ART ROOM Topsham will present an exhibition of new work by Hilary Goddard. This most talented artist studied at Bournemouth College of Art during the 50's and has been exhibiting professionally for over 40 years.

Vivienne Light captured Hilary's story in the book entitled Colours of the Moment: Paintings by Hilary Goddard, published by Canterton Books (ISBN 0-9541627-6-5) (this is the only image I can find on the internet - maybe you can do better?)

Colours of the Moment: Paintings by Hilary Goddard (by Vivienne Light, Canterton Books)

Hillary Goddard wrote to the Gallery during the Benedict Rubbra exhibition. This is part of what she said ...

"Just a note to convey my delight and enjoyment at viewing your wonderful gallery on 6th September. Congratulations! To embark upon such a venture during this difficult economic period is very brave and courageous. To be able to view such astonishingly beautiful work by a brilliant artist in such pleasing and calming surroundings is a few hours spent in heaven!"