An exhibition of work by the popular Bath-based artist ‘Pete the Street’ is to open at the Victoria Art Gallery in the city centre in October.
Peter Brown, The Circus, Bath early summer morning 2022 | Image © Peter Brown
The exhibition “Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond” will feature over 100 new oil paintings.
Peter Brown is widely acclaimed as one of Britain’s best plein air painters and his views are captured in all weathers, even during snowstorms when he works outside wearing fingerless mittens.
Most of the works in this new exhibition were painted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and visitors will see the impact of restrictions on the places where Brown set up his easel – quiet during lockdown and then bustling again when restrictions were relaxed.
The exhibition will follow the artist’s footsteps through the streets and green spaces of Bath and Bristol, as well as places further afield and domestic scenes from his home.
Among the Bath locations featured will be Bath Abbey, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge, Milsom Street, Kingsmead Square, Bear Flat, Chelsea Road and Victoria Park.
Lesser-known spots include the multi-storey car park in Avon Street and the Paragon Steps.
Despite being in demand globally, Brown never tires of painting his home city.
He came to Bath in 1986 to study and, after continuing his training in Manchester and Greenwich, returned to Bath in 1993 and has lived in the city ever since.
Peter Brown said: “It intrigues me how I manage to remain inspired by the city which I have been painting for nearly 30 years now.
“I remember after lockdown I could not wait to paint people on the grass in front of the Royal Crescent and the city centre again.
“My efforts to keep it fresh involve a mixture of ignoring the city for long spells, then returning to find new pockets to paint within Bath – Locksbrook Cemetery, Bear Flat or the back of the train station at night.
“I have sporadically popped over the hill to paint the odd view of Bristol but bizarrely never really got hooked until recently.
“Bristol is a wonderful city. An antidote to Bath, it has huge variety in its culture, landscape and architecture. From the grand terraces of Clifton to the subversive Turbo Island of Stokes Croft, it is full of energy and ever surprising.
“Further afield I always find it a treat to hit the coast. In two or three hours I can be standing barefoot in the sand watching people enjoying the seaside.
“Seeing people relaxing and happy infects me as I paint. It was one of the first things I did after the first lockdown – and I did it again as all restrictions were being lifted in the summer of 2021 – escape to the sea!”
Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Peter Brown again, having hosted several popular exhibitions of his work at the Victoria Art Gallery in the past.
“If you’re a local resident, you can enjoy free admission with a Discovery Card.”
A fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition, with an introduction by the artist, together with on-the-spot diary entries providing an insight into his working processes.
Most works in the exhibition will be for sale, both in the Gallery and online. As well as oils, a series of limited edition prints will be available.
An artist’s talk by Peter Brown will be held on Saturday 22nd October between 11am-12pm in the exhibition gallery. The talk is free to exhibition ticket holders. Book in advance to be sure of a place.
Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond will run from 22nd October 2022 until 15th January 2023.
