Lesley Dabson: A London Year
10 – 23 October 2025
Lesley Dabson describes herself as a “literal painter”. “When a scene has hooked my attention,
I can’t wait to capture it in oil”. And so it was at our first meeting: within minutes Dabson’s keen eye
has captured shapes, colours, textures; a particular vista or view in and from the HLSI building where
we meet.
In this exhibition, A London Year, Dabson shares city scenes throughout the seasons and in all lights.
She works in oil paint, both in her studio and en plein air directly in front of her subject.
Both practices bring different elements to her work. The immediacy of a changing scene, where
light, tides and weather influence a plein air piece and the calmer atmosphere of her studio where
she can take a more considered approach. “There is no difference in style or brushwork” Dabson
explains,“ but both aspects are important and complementary in my practice”.
Draughtsmanship is fundamental to Dabson’s practice. She is a member of the Hesketh Hubbard
Life Drawing Society, meeting weekly in the Mall Galleries to draw. The professional models, who
live and work in the city choose their own poses; Dabson works at speed and with accuracy. The
studies, primarily in charcoal on textured paper, are included in A London Year.
Dabson has lived in London for over forty years and her work is firmly rooted in the changing
seasons of the city.
In 2024 her work was included in Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, she is an elected member
of Chelsea Art Society and the Royal Society of Birmingham Artists.
For further information:
Artist: Lesley Dabson: www.lesleydabson.co.uk/ Email: lesley.dabson@hotmail.com
Co Ordinator: Trisha Dale, Email: trisha.dale@me.com
Gallery opens: Weds – Frid 13.00 – 17.00, Saturday & Sundays 10.00 – 16.00
Lesley Dabson: A London Year
10 – 23 October 2025
Lesley Dabson describes herself as a “literal painter”. “When a scene has hooked my attention,
I can’t wait to capture it in oil”. And so it was at our first meeting: within minutes Dabson’s keen eye
has captured shapes, colours, textures; a particular vista or view in and from the HLSI building where
we meet.
In this exhibition, A London Year, Dabson shares city scenes throughout the seasons and in all lights.
She works in oil paint, both in her studio and en plein air directly in front of her subject.
Both practices bring different elements to her work. The immediacy of a changing scene, where
light, tides and weather influence a plein air piece and the calmer atmosphere of her studio where
she can take a more considered approach. “There is no difference in style or brushwork” Dabson
explains,“ but both aspects are important and complementary in my practice”.
Draughtsmanship is fundamental to Dabson’s practice. She is a member of the Hesketh Hubbard
Life Drawing Society, meeting weekly in the Mall Galleries to draw. The professional models, who
live and work in the city choose their own poses; Dabson works at speed and with accuracy. The
studies, primarily in charcoal on textured paper, are included in A London Year.
Dabson has lived in London for over forty years and her work is firmly rooted in the changing
seasons of the city.
In 2024 her work was included in Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, she is an elected member
of Chelsea Art Society and the Royal Society of Birmingham Artists.
For further information:
Artist: Lesley Dabson: www.lesleydabson.co.uk/ Email: lesley.dabson@hotmail.com
Co Ordinator: Trisha Dale, Email: trisha.dale@me.com
Gallery opens: Weds – Frid 13.00 – 17.00, Saturday & Sundays 10.00 – 16.00
Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.
The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.
The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Monday 6 Nov coffee computers 10 30
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Do come along to meet your neighbours, enjoy a good cup of coffee and find out what is happening in Highgate.
The planning committee often have someone on hand to answer planning queries.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Members of the Highgate Watercolour Group are welcoming visitors back to the beautiful historic setting of Lauderdale House, where 20 artists will exhibit around 200 framed works on paper at their 2025 exhibition.
The exhibition across two gallery floors will include artwork from the group’s visits across north London, painting en plein air in Highgate, Hampstead, Alexandra Palace, Holland Park and Central London, plus landscapes and seascapes from further afield. Expressive floral paintings, contemplative still lifes and abstracts will also be on show, with a small works section comprising miniature masterpieces at minimal prices. With diverse themes and a range of artistic styles, there will be something for all to enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists: Feroze Antia | Chris Baker | Freda Blayney | Maureen Bocking | Cathy Burkinshaw | Ruth Edwards | Jacqueline Freeman | Edmund Gordon | Peter Hassell | Ruijin Hu | Shirley Hodgson | John Lambie | Sue Lees | Brenda McDowell | Judith Pedersen | Maggie Pettigrew | Andrew Riley | Marilyn Southey | Morley Speed | Vanessa Whinney
IMPORTANT NOTICE The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 12noon–4pm, however it is important to check with Lauderdale House before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed at short notice. Contact Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716.
Churchill said it was riddle wrapped up in a mystery inside an enigma: can we ever understand Russia?
What is to be Done?’ is a question Russians have asked themselves many times over the last two centuries. Sharing their ideas over a lifetime of reading and writing, author Lesley Chamberlain spotlights the difficulties and asks whether there’s an answer.
Lesley Chamberlain studied Russian and German in England and was a Reuters correspondent in Moscow 1978-79 before embarking on a freelance career. While reviewing for many national and international publications and writing and broadcasting on BBC radio she has published over twenty books. They reflect approaches to Russia by way of food, literature, travel, history, philosophy and fiction. Titles include The Food and Cooking of Russia, Motherland A Philosophical History of Russia and most recently a novel The Mozhaisk Road Russian Heart of Darkness.