A selection of #leicaq3monochrom images of the fabulous must see @thelondongroup exhibition ‘This, That, and the Other’ on @aschandbagfactory in Vauxhall until 30 May 2026.
Loved the @paul_bonomini hand grenades - very topical!
A selection of #leicaq3monochrom images from an invitation by @cristinaschek to see the creative collaboration between @jillberelowitz and @helenatraill at the @morrissingerfoundry
Also a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with the members of a fabulously talented group of artisans, and see them in action.
A selection of #leicaq3monochrom images of @garycloughuk at a drawing class and wash up discussion with his group of @royalcollegeofart students at the current @thelondongroup exhibition @aschandbagfactory in Vauxhall.
Just loved the use of #tillroll issuing from a cardboard dispenser to creat drawn impressionist panoramic images of the gallery space. Genius!
In association with the @artsrichmonduk #openstudio event, @the_beach_197 at 197 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington TW11 8LX, is presenting a ‘Retrospective’ exhibition of the sculpture, paintings and drawings of Avril Vellacott.
All are warmly invited to the Private View, starting at 6:30pm Thursday 21 May 2026.
The dates for the Arts Richmond Open Studio are the late May bank holiday weekend 23, 24 and 25 May, and the following weekend 30 and 31 May - between 11:00am and 4:00pm. The show will also continue to be open until the 26 June 2026.
Avril produced an extensive portfolio, working as an artist from an early age, and also teaching in Richmond Adult Education for over 30 years.
Some of Avril’s best known sculpting work was in the films, and created the designs and movie models for the memorable #theneverendingstory - including the White Dragon “Falcor” and Giant Turtle “Morla the Ancient One” - see photos.
Avril exhibited widely and her work is in many private and public collections - including the portrait sculptures of: ‘Noel Coward’ in Teddington Library, ‘Jeremy Thorpe’ in the Houses of Parliament, ‘Samuel Beckett’ at the Royal Hollaway, and the ‘Marquess of Bath’ at Longleat House.
“Retrospective” will showcase Avril’s portrait and figurative sculpture, paintings and drawings, that are still held by the family. Also photographs of her involvement with the production of ‘The Neverending Story’ whilst working at Bavaria Film Studios in Munich.
In association with this show, the Baronscourt Theater is offering a £4 discount to visitors to The Beach for their up coming show “Retrospective”.
“Retrospective” is an existential comedy about the purpose of art paying homage to the great expressionist artists of the past, Rothko, De Kooning. Pollock and Picasso, making its UK premiere on the 14th - 23rd May.
You may use the code CURATOR for a £4 discount on tickets when booking.
A couple of events not to be missed!
Photo credits:
@colinstout
Paul Vellacott
Mark Vellacott
et al
A selection of #leicaq3monochrom images from the @bowmansculpture #modernbritsh exhibition - on until 29 May 2026
Wonderful to see contemporary sculptors @joanna.m.allen and @rufusmartin.sculptor alongside the established such as #lynnchadwick and #keitharmitage - particularly liked the reclining and seated figures by #henrymoore
As always with Bowman Exhibitions, a beautiful curated must see.
A few #leicaq3monochrom snaps taken on a flying visit to @royalacademyarts to see the #michaelinawautier show.
Have to say it left me a little cool, but as always lots of interesting sculptural works and artefacts to ponder.
Particularly liked the ‘rolling horse’ by #elizabethfrink and ‘teddy boy and girl’ by #lynnchadwick , as well as the maquette for ‘Eros’ by #alfredgilbert
The Leica is living up to the hype.
Recently had my #leicaq2monochrom stolen whilst at an outdoor eating area near Sloane Sq.
Can’t be too careful these days…
Felt as if part of me had been ripped away.
Sadly, not covered by insurance, but have just taken procession of a #leicaq3monochrom to replace the loss.
The thing I really like about having a purely #bnw_photography digital camera, is that you think about light differently.
Also, because a colour digital camera uses a RGB three pixel filter to create one colour pixel, however, the monochrome camera sensor sees each pixel as a shade of light intensity.
So you get a three times higher level of tonality.
Also you can use old school coloured filters screwed onto the front of the lens to filter out selective colours, and enhance others.
This is one of the first images I took just pointing up at the sky with a red filter.
The red filters out blue light, hence the contrast between the blue sky and clouds is greater.
My days of walking around London wearing a #leica on a strap around my neck are over. But not those taking #bnw photos…
Been sorting through my mother Avril Vellacott’s art and sculpture ahead of a retrospective exhibition of her work @the_beach_197 that I’m planning in coordination with the @artsrichmonduk open studio event later in May 2026.
I came across this preparatory sketch that Avril must have done for the ‘Dick Phelps’ plaque which now hangs in @thamesrowingclub
Very Avril to do a lot of research and sketching ahead of producing the final piece.
Think I’ll frame up and include in the exhibition.
Then, I think Avril, being a stalwart of @twicksrowing and second generation @remenhamclub member (I’m a 3rd gen), would have been pleased if it went to his grandson @phelpsie93
