Home

May
13
Fri
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 13 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
14
Sat
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 14 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
15
Sun
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
17
Tue
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 17 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
18
Wed
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
19
Thu
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 19 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
20
Fri
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
21
Sat
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
22
Sun
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
24
Tue
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
25
Wed
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 25 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

May
26
Thu
Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes @ HLSI
May 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Sophie Levi and Tess Recordon – Contemporary Landcapes
13-26 May 2016

The sea, mountains, forests and the landmarks and parks of North West London can be seen in highly original, atmospheric oil paintings, in contrasting styles, by two established British artists.

While Levi works from life in her studio in Camden and outside in the elements, Recordon works from memory, creating work full of depth, movement and life with poured paint.

Both break down the divide between the self and the landscape. They exhibit widely.

Last year Recordon was Artist in Residence at Burgh House, Hampstead.
Touring exhibitions have included ‘British Landscapes’ ‘Mountains and Water’ and ‘Jungles of Borneo’.

In 2012 one of Levi’s paintings was shortlisted for the biggest art prize for a single work of art in the UK, the £30,000 Threadneedle Art Prize. In 2015 she took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of The Year competition. In 2015 Andrew Marr sat for a portrait by Levi; he called her a ‘proper artist’.

Sophie Levi: 07812 124 226 sophie.levi@icloud.com www.sophielevi.com
Tess Recordon: 07870 96 3587 tess@tessrecordon.com www.tessrecordon.com

Highgate Gallery
11 South Grove
London N6 6BS

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Jun
2
Thu
Glory – Decline – Revival: Talk and Exhibition @ Highgate Society
Jun 2 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

You are cordially invited to tea, a talk and a private viewing of an exhibition on The story of the Great Mansions of the Highgate Ridge and the visionaries who lived in them – Witanhurst, Athlone House, Beechwood, Holly Lodge and Kenwood House.

Using seldom seen material from the HLSI archives the exhibition focuses on the lifestyles of the early owners of these houses and the pioneering reforms for which many of them fought and from which many of us still benefit.

Now that London has because a location of choice for the global rich, the exhibition asks what we can learn from the similarities and differences between the lifestyles of the new occupiers of these mansions and of their inhabitants a hundred years ago.

The talk – at 10A – will be given by Prof Richard Webber who has designed the exhibition – which is in the HLSI gallery. It is jointly funded by the HLSI, the Economic and Social Research Council, Highgate School and the Highgate Society.
RSVP to richardwebber@originsinfo(dot)eu
(Alternatively you can attend the exhibition
launch at HLSI on Tuesday, 31st May, 7.30)

Jun
10
Fri
Richard Downer – ‘The Lifespan of Trees’ @ Highgate Gallery
Jun 10 all-day

This exhibition follows on from a retrospective at Leeds College of Art in 2010 where Richard Downer trained in the 1950s. Trees have been a source of inspiration for Richard throughout his working life – this exhibition captures his fascination for the longevity, endurance and prominence of trees in our environment.

He was born on the Isle of Wight in 1933 and grew up in Yorkshire. Highgate has been him family home for the last 53 years and the ancient woodlands of Highgate and Hampstead Heath have been a constant source of interest.

Richard has had a busy and remarkable working life as a designer. Following his training and two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, he began a career in advertising as a visualizer and art director before going solo in 1966.

Richard’s many skills as an illustrator, graphic designer and typographer brought him numerous commissions including stamp design, corporate identities, major reports and accounts. As one of Britain’s leading architectural illustrators he travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing, as line drawings, notable and remote locations for the GPO and latterly BT telephone directories (1967-1985). BT also commissioned a
360 degree panoramic drawing of London from the top of the Post Office Tower that was completed in 1970 (a selection of drawings from this period will also be viewable at the exhibition). He has shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was a Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers and Fellow and Past President of the Society of Typographic Designers.

Since 1998, from his Kentish Town studio, Richard has focused on his private passion and profound respect for the lifespan of trees – their longevity and transience, their demise and regeneration.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Jun
11
Sat
Richard Downer – ‘The Lifespan of Trees’ @ Highgate Gallery
Jun 11 all-day

This exhibition follows on from a retrospective at Leeds College of Art in 2010 where Richard Downer trained in the 1950s. Trees have been a source of inspiration for Richard throughout his working life – this exhibition captures his fascination for the longevity, endurance and prominence of trees in our environment.

He was born on the Isle of Wight in 1933 and grew up in Yorkshire. Highgate has been him family home for the last 53 years and the ancient woodlands of Highgate and Hampstead Heath have been a constant source of interest.

Richard has had a busy and remarkable working life as a designer. Following his training and two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, he began a career in advertising as a visualizer and art director before going solo in 1966.

Richard’s many skills as an illustrator, graphic designer and typographer brought him numerous commissions including stamp design, corporate identities, major reports and accounts. As one of Britain’s leading architectural illustrators he travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing, as line drawings, notable and remote locations for the GPO and latterly BT telephone directories (1967-1985). BT also commissioned a
360 degree panoramic drawing of London from the top of the Post Office Tower that was completed in 1970 (a selection of drawings from this period will also be viewable at the exhibition). He has shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was a Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers and Fellow and Past President of the Society of Typographic Designers.

Since 1998, from his Kentish Town studio, Richard has focused on his private passion and profound respect for the lifespan of trees – their longevity and transience, their demise and regeneration.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Jun
12
Sun
Richard Downer – ‘The Lifespan of Trees’ @ Highgate Gallery
Jun 12 all-day

This exhibition follows on from a retrospective at Leeds College of Art in 2010 where Richard Downer trained in the 1950s. Trees have been a source of inspiration for Richard throughout his working life – this exhibition captures his fascination for the longevity, endurance and prominence of trees in our environment.

He was born on the Isle of Wight in 1933 and grew up in Yorkshire. Highgate has been him family home for the last 53 years and the ancient woodlands of Highgate and Hampstead Heath have been a constant source of interest.

Richard has had a busy and remarkable working life as a designer. Following his training and two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, he began a career in advertising as a visualizer and art director before going solo in 1966.

Richard’s many skills as an illustrator, graphic designer and typographer brought him numerous commissions including stamp design, corporate identities, major reports and accounts. As one of Britain’s leading architectural illustrators he travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing, as line drawings, notable and remote locations for the GPO and latterly BT telephone directories (1967-1985). BT also commissioned a
360 degree panoramic drawing of London from the top of the Post Office Tower that was completed in 1970 (a selection of drawings from this period will also be viewable at the exhibition). He has shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was a Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers and Fellow and Past President of the Society of Typographic Designers.

Since 1998, from his Kentish Town studio, Richard has focused on his private passion and profound respect for the lifespan of trees – their longevity and transience, their demise and regeneration.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Jun
14
Tue
Richard Downer – ‘The Lifespan of Trees’ @ Highgate Gallery
Jun 14 all-day

This exhibition follows on from a retrospective at Leeds College of Art in 2010 where Richard Downer trained in the 1950s. Trees have been a source of inspiration for Richard throughout his working life – this exhibition captures his fascination for the longevity, endurance and prominence of trees in our environment.

He was born on the Isle of Wight in 1933 and grew up in Yorkshire. Highgate has been him family home for the last 53 years and the ancient woodlands of Highgate and Hampstead Heath have been a constant source of interest.

Richard has had a busy and remarkable working life as a designer. Following his training and two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, he began a career in advertising as a visualizer and art director before going solo in 1966.

Richard’s many skills as an illustrator, graphic designer and typographer brought him numerous commissions including stamp design, corporate identities, major reports and accounts. As one of Britain’s leading architectural illustrators he travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing, as line drawings, notable and remote locations for the GPO and latterly BT telephone directories (1967-1985). BT also commissioned a
360 degree panoramic drawing of London from the top of the Post Office Tower that was completed in 1970 (a selection of drawings from this period will also be viewable at the exhibition). He has shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was a Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers and Fellow and Past President of the Society of Typographic Designers.

Since 1998, from his Kentish Town studio, Richard has focused on his private passion and profound respect for the lifespan of trees – their longevity and transience, their demise and regeneration.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday

Jun
15
Wed
Richard Downer – ‘The Lifespan of Trees’ @ Highgate Gallery
Jun 15 all-day

This exhibition follows on from a retrospective at Leeds College of Art in 2010 where Richard Downer trained in the 1950s. Trees have been a source of inspiration for Richard throughout his working life – this exhibition captures his fascination for the longevity, endurance and prominence of trees in our environment.

He was born on the Isle of Wight in 1933 and grew up in Yorkshire. Highgate has been him family home for the last 53 years and the ancient woodlands of Highgate and Hampstead Heath have been a constant source of interest.

Richard has had a busy and remarkable working life as a designer. Following his training and two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, he began a career in advertising as a visualizer and art director before going solo in 1966.

Richard’s many skills as an illustrator, graphic designer and typographer brought him numerous commissions including stamp design, corporate identities, major reports and accounts. As one of Britain’s leading architectural illustrators he travelled the length and breadth of the country capturing, as line drawings, notable and remote locations for the GPO and latterly BT telephone directories (1967-1985). BT also commissioned a
360 degree panoramic drawing of London from the top of the Post Office Tower that was completed in 1970 (a selection of drawings from this period will also be viewable at the exhibition). He has shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was a Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers and Fellow and Past President of the Society of Typographic Designers.

Since 1998, from his Kentish Town studio, Richard has focused on his private passion and profound respect for the lifespan of trees – their longevity and transience, their demise and regeneration.

Tuesday-Friday 13:00-17:00
Saturday 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00-17:00
Closed Monday