11 South Grove
Highgate N6 6BS
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