Boat

Boat, above, was probably the most commented on individual painting hanging at the recent Byzantium & Beyond exhibition. The large pieces from the Byzantium series were much talked about too, but this oil on canvas (roughly 1.50m x 2.50m) was singled out by many as their particular favourite. 

In part, I suppose, because it had not recently been seen - even in the studio it was buried within a pile of other large paintings, but also because it stands slightly apart from any of Dave's large series of work. Whatever, it is a stunning painting that demonstrates Dave's real feel for, and mastery of, colour.

Back in Rossendale

Julian Williams texted me 'Finished!' just before 4 to say that he, helped by the painter David Newton, had finally off-loaded and put back into store all the paintings that had been in Bermondsey.They had started at 8 this morning, after arriving back at 3am from London. It's a tough job - large and heavy paintings and steep and narrow staircases; so well done - I'm so grateful.

Margaret is now back at work at MMU, and I'm right in the thick of creating a new show with Horse + Bamboo Theatre (Angus - Weaver of Grass; it goes into rehearsal in less than three weeks). But there's a lot of feedback still arriving on our doorsteps as a result of 'Byzantium & Beyond'. People wishing to visit the studio, usually to buy a piece of Dave's artwork; emails simply telling us how someone was impressed and moved by the show; and lots of people asking to be put onto our mailing list. What's more there's the possibility of a new London exhibition  being discussed - watch this space!

The Last Weekend

The last weekend of the London show is upon us. It's a rare opportunity so if you haven't visited Bermondsey Project yet try and make it before 6pm on Sunday!

Reactions have all been very positive - Mick Bateman wrote to tell me that visitor numbers have been their highest ever, and the Visitors Book includes: 

"Extraordinary body of work"

"Fabulous work - exciting and wonderful!", and many more like this..

Emails I've received include:

"Really fantastic - amazing"

"WOW", and

"blown away".

So, if you haven't yet seen the show but do make it this weekend - enjoy!

We're on iBooks!

I heard last night that we finally have the lovely catalogue for Byzantium & Beyond available to buy on iBooks. This is a bargain at only £5.49 - less than half the price of having to send for a copy to be posted to you, and with high-quality images of many of the paintings illustrated able to be zoomed into with a wipe of the fingers!.

Simply go to the iBooks website, then to the Store and search for Byzantium and Beyond.