For an artist whose reputation rests on the wholehearted pursuit of his surroundings, the name George Rowlett conjures up images of the Thames in London’s Docklands and the sweeping landscapes of Kent: the two places where he has spent the best part of the last twenty years living and working. There is, however, another group of paintings that are no less crucial, though rarely seen, and they are his garden paintings.
 
Outside both of his studios there are two small and deliberately overgrown gardens. They are gardens of convenience with little sense of design but they do contain an abundance of plants that he nurtures and, as an interlude to going out to his usual sites, these gardens have become an alternative place of study; another microcosm of constantly changing light and colour to fire his enthusiasm. They are paintings that hover between interior and exterior space, still life and landscape but which are painted with the same dynamism and spontaneity that allow us to appreciate and enjoy them in themselves. They have always been a part of his artistic practice and this exhibition is devoted to this very specific aspect of George Rowlett’s life as a painter.

George Rowlett trained at Camberwell (1962-65) and the Academy Schools (1965-68) and has work in private and public collections in Germany, South Africa, the U.S.A and the UK, including the British Council.

To mark the occasion of this exhibition we have published a 16 page catalogue with 10 colour plates, available on request.